Methods for participatory information gathering and analysis

Abstract

This is one of a series of 10 working papers produced as the first stage of a project to investigate the potential for integration of aquaculture into small-scale, farmer-managed irrigation systems in arid and semi-arid regions of India and Sri Lanka. This part of the project focused on Karnataka State, India, and the papers were produced as a resource for a stakeholder workshop, held in Coimbatore, 19-20 November, 1998. The benefits of encouraging the participation of the local community in development and research projects are well established. In this paper, practical recommendations regarding participatory data collection are outlined, supported by analytical techniques from the literature. The tools and techniques used in the project are detailed and a methodology for the collection and analysis of data is suggested. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of ranks and scores in information assembly, and non-parametric analyses are described. The contents are as follows: Introduction. Participatory information gathering and analysis. Project fieldwork (carried out in 4 villages in Raichur District). Statistical analysis. Some guidelines for village information gathering and analysis. There are a list of references, 4 appendices and 2 figures