PRA-Manual Embracing Participitation tools-only.pdf - PACA

EMBRACING PARTICIPATION IN DEVELOPMENT: Wisdom from the Field 3.69
~ Their source of information on sex: where they get information on
reproduction and STIs, including from where and whom do they
seek help regarding reproductive health.
~ Attitudes towards sex: number of sex partners; use of contraceptives;
how they make decisions; etc.
2.15 Focus group discussions (FGD)
FGDs are small group meetings for discussing a specific topic.
These are conducted in an informal setting where all the participants
are encouraged to present their views and opinions.
FGDs play an important role in a participatory appraisal process.
It is difficult to use any of the visual PLA methods without first
starting with a FGD. Even after the visual is ready, it needs to be
discussed. The main issues arising from the analysis need to be
clarified, and there can be several questions arising from the
visual analysis that need to be discussed. FGDs can also be used
to discuss visual outputs prepared by another group in the
community. Sometimes this works out to be an excellent
method for triangulation.
Sensitive facilitation skills, with the ability to listen and ask
probing questions, are important for facilitating a FGD.
During a PLA exercise, a focus group discussion takes place with
women on their priority reproductive health needs. Rwanda
The ideal group size for facilitating a FGD is between 7-12 participants.
However, group sizes can be very large during participatory appraisals. The
visual analysis can be prepared and discussed in a large group, followed by more
in-depth discussions on selected topics in smaller groups. The smaller groups
could be self-selective, or the facilitators could ask them to divide according to
gender, age or any other criteria appropriate for the context.
Part 3
Facilitators play a key role in introducing a topic for discussion and in asking
probing questions. It is best to allow the group to discuss the issue among themselves,
without interrupting them too often. The facilitator should be able to
listen attentively, take notes and observe the participants.
This method is central to any participatory appraisal process. Some FGDs can
be planned well in advance and people can be invited for discussion at a fixed
time and venue. However, very often we may have to start a FGD when we see
an opportunity, e.g., if we find a group of 14 year old boys outside a video shop,
we can invite them for a discussion right then and there.