VERITAS ET MISERICORDIA

PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL

PART 1
 PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL

 The purpose of PRA is more to gain an

understanding of the complexities of a topic
rather than to gather a highly accurate statistics
on a list of variables. In PRA, understanding the
qualitative nuances within a topic is just as
important as finding general averages. Its short
duration and low cost also make it possible to
carry out a series of PRAs rather than having to
rely on the results of one large survey.
 In this module, we will focus on one of the basic
techniques in participatory rapid appraisal, which
is participatory mapping.
 PARTICIPATORY MAPPING

 Participatory mapping allows the team to

discover the mental maps of community
members. It is a technique that requires the
participation of residents on a project site. It
can be used to help located natural
resources, routes, service delivery points,
regional markets, trouble spots, etc., on a
map of the area or to use residens’ feedback
to drive the development of a map that
includes such information.
 PARTICIPATORY MAPPING STEPS

Steps:
 Decide what sort of map should be drawn (social,
natural resources, farm, etc.)
 Find people who know the area and the topic of
mapping exercise and who are willing to share their
knowledge
 Choose a suitable place and medium for the maps

 Help the people get started but let them draw the
map by themselves. Be patient and don’t interrupt
 Keep a permanent record including mapper’s names
VERITAS ET MISERICORDIA
PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL
PART 2
 PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL

 The purpose of PRA is more to gain an

understanding of the complexities of a topic
rather than to gather a highly accurate statistics
on a list of variables. In PRA, understanding the
qualitative nuances within a topic is just as
important as finding general averages. Its short
duration and low cost also make it possible to
carry out a series of PRAs rather than having to
rely on the results of one large survey.
 In this module, we will focus on one of the basic
techniques in participatory rapid appraisal, which
is focused group discussion.
 FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION
 A focus group discussion (FGD) is a good way to gather
together people from similar backgrounds or
experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest. The
group of participants is guided by a moderator (or
group facilitator) who introduces topics for discussion
and helps the group to participate in a lively and
natural discussion amongst themselves.
 The strength of FGD relies on allowing the participants
to agree or disagree with each other so that it provides
an insight into how a group thinks about an issue,
about the range of opinion and ideas, and the
inconsistencies and variation that exists in a
community in terms of beliefs and their experiences
and practices.
 FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION
 FGDs can be used to explore the meanings of survey
findings that cannot be explained statistically, the range of
opinions/views on a topic of interest and to collect a wide
variety of local terms. In bridging research and policy, FGD
can be useful in providing an insight into different opinions
among different parties involved in the change process,
thus enabling the process to be managed more smoothly. It
is also a good method to employ prior to designing
questionnaires.
 FGD sessions need to be prepared carefully through
identifying the main objective(s) of the meeting, developing
key questions, developing an agenda, and planning how to
record the session. The next step is to identify and invite
suitable discussion participants; the ideal number is
between six and eight.
 FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION
 The crucial element of FGD is the facilitation.
Some important points to bear in mind in
facilitating FGDs are to ensure even
participation, careful wording of the key
questions, maintaining a neutral attitude and
appearance, and summarising the session to
reflect the opinions evenly and fairly. A
detailed report should be prepared after the
session is finished. Any observations during
the session should be noted and included in
the report.
VERITAS ET MISERICORDIA
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
 COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
 Community Organizing (CO) is a continuous process of living
and awareness raising or conscientization with and in the
context of the people and communities that would develop
and enhance community’s potentials and capabilities, and
collective action and participation leading towards
development and empowerment. It is the process of
development from the people, by the people, and for the
people (Manalili 1994). This refers to the activities aimed at
the grouping of people to struggle for their common needs
and aspirations in a given locality. It revolves around the
people’s lives, experiences, and aspirations. Community
organizing is geared towards the continuing capability
building, self-reliance, and empowerment.
 The ultimate goal of community organizing is to effect
changes in social and environmental institutions so that
people can direct their own lives.
 BASIC STEPS, PRINCIPLES, AND IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS

Pre-Entry Into the Community

There are activities to be done or accomplished
before entering into communities.
 a. Set guidelines or criteria in selecting partner
community to work with.
 b. Collate basic and substantial information/data of
the community.
 c. Try to understand the life, culture, values, beliefs,
etc. of the community.
 d. To get know the formal and informal leaders of the
community.
 BASIC STEPS, PRINCIPLES, AND IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS

Integration Into the Community

 There are no organizers who became
successful in their mission who does not
immersed in the communities they have
worked with. Through the process of
immersion, community organizers can feel the
real community’s life situation of the
community, taking part in their experiences,
poverty and dreams.
 BASIC STEPS, PRINCIPLES, AND IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS
Community Study/Analysis
 Before entering into the community, we have initial
information or data at hand. In this step, community study
or analysis pertains to the critical collation of different data
and information of community life’s sphere to be able to
come-up with clear description and analysis of community
situation. It is a long and continuous process taking part
both by the community and by the community organizer.
 The community is in the right position to analyze their
situation. It is not right or justifiable that people or
community’s role is simply just supplying the answers in
survey form or questionnaires. It is a challenge for
community organizer to ensure the meaningful
participation of the peoples in the research and analysis.
 BASIC STEPS, PRINCIPLES, AND IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS
Spotting of Potential Community Leaders
 Community should have their own leaders with right values and
characteristics. It is very vital in the process of development
and empowerment of the community.
 Who are the possible community leaders? a. They have deeper
knowledge or grasp of the situation, especially pressing issues,
problems, and concerns. b. They are willing to act and commit
theirselves for the benefits and development of fellow
community members. c. As long as possible, they came from the
poor sectors. If not, they should be willing to genuinely commit
and work for and with the poor sectors. d. It is not necessary
that they have higher or highest educational attainment in the
community. They are willing to be formed and trained to
become efficient and effective community leaders. e. They have
the time and dedication to act for the community. f. They are
respected and recognized members of the community.
 BASIC STEPS, PRINCIPLES, AND IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS
Core Group Formation
From those identified potential community leaders, a core group will
be formed to act as local community organizers. The core group will
serve as a foundation in the formation of peoples or community
organization. From this core group, it could reach the larger members
of the community.
Community Organization. The formal community organization should
come from the people. From the initiative of and activities initiated by
the core group towards community organizing, they can call for a
general assembly (GA) or community assembly (CA) to present initial
community development plan that could be accepted and developed
by other community members. Community members’ commitment
should be win so that not only the core group will be responsible.
There are some principles that will guide the organization. These are:
 a. Wider participation of all members;
 b. Democratic and participatory leadership; and
 c. Collective management.
 COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
Community Mobilizationpertains to actions of
the community organization based on their
identified pressing issues, problems, and
concerns. To mobilize, there are processes to be
undertaken, these are:
 a. Identification of issues, problems, and concerns;
 b. Formulation of action plan which contain and has
clear objectives, methodologies or strategies,
timeframe/alloted time, resources needed, and
responsible persons, committees or groups; and
 c. Evaluation process (how it will be evaluated).
VERITAS ET MISERICORDIA
 COMMUNITY MAPPING AND
FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION
 MODULE ACTIVITY 1
PARTICIPATORY MAPPING

Different groups will be assigned to draw a

specific map. These are: residential map, social
services map, and natural resources map.
 For each group, select at least two community
members who will participate in the mapping
exercise. Be sure that the participants you will select
are knowledgeable about the community.
 As you go around the community, take a mental note
of the places you visit and write the information you
gather on a piece of paper.
 After walking around the community, ask the
participants to draw the map on a big brown paper.
Be sure to identify the different locations on the map.
 MODULE ACTIVITY 2
FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION

If your group is assigned to facilitate the FGD, you

will facilitate a focused group discussion in the
community.
 Select a location in the community where you can
conduct the discussion.
 Invite people who will participate in your discussion.
Select 7 to 10 community members to join in the
discussion.
 Assign members of your group to the different tasks in
the FGD. Assign facilitators, note takers, documenters,
and other tasks.
 During discussion, ensure that all the participants
have a chance to express their thoughts.
 MODULE ACTIVITY 2
FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION

Solutions
FGD Description of
Topic Suggested for the
Characteristics Discussion
Future
Community Location:
Participation in Number of
Development Participants:
Work Age and Gender:

Community Issues
and Needs