Participatory Rural Analysis (PRA) Values - How to become a True Believer

by Bardolf Paul

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the values that underpin the Participatory Rural Analysis (PRA) movement and seek an understanding of how to kindle and foster the growth of these values. The assumption is that the more people are able to acquire these values, the greater the likelihood that the PRA movement and other similar manifestations of these shared values will be able to grow and spread.

I can remember reading some years ago a paper by Chambers entitled something like "PRA is not a religion". Having attended several of Robert's 'PRA revival meetings', which had the overt theme of converting the unbelievers, I found the title both amusing and ironic. It struck me at the time that I read the title of the paper that there was an element of concern and discomfort regarding the underlying values that are the cornerstone of the PRA movement. Concern that we don't become fanatical proselytisers, and discomfort over how to deal with fostering the values that run through PRA. For some years I have been reflecting on how to bring the question of values into a forum for discussion and exchange of experience. Given the opportunity that the 'Pathways to Participation' project has offered in the upcoming retreat. I would like to put forward some thoughts and invite comments.

PRA Values

The question of attitudes and behaviour has long been an essential element in PRA work - one of the 'three pillars.' but I have not yet seen much written about the values that drive attitudes and behaviour. Nor have I seen much in-depth examination of how to bring about fundamental change in attitudes and behaviour. Therefore, I would be interested in stimulating some discussion on the issue of how to change attitudes and behaviour, and include the question of values as essential to the discussion.

My perception of the 'ideal' combination of these components in a person is someone who is able to be open to new ideas; accepts the opinions of others in a non-judgemental manner; approaches situations with a spirit of enquiry; is looking for the right answers and has no need for personal ownership of ideas; treats people in a kind and considerate way; etc. This list could go on extensively, but in essence reflects a common value system that is imbedded in the heart of many religious and spiritual movements.

A key question is how do people acquire such a value system? For some it comes quite naturally and we can see this with newcomers to PRA, who very often just 'naturally' embrace the approach and methods. Then there are others who take some time to incorporate the principles and changes in their attitudes and behaviour. This transformation comes eventually after some exposure and practice. Finally, there are those who perhaps might never accept or take on the values and behaviour that are needed - they are unable to change.

What does this range and variation suggest, and what might the implication be for the spread of something like PRA? For me it suggests that there are internal differences between people, but that these differences are not necessarily fixed - that there are possibilities for change. So if we think it is important to bring about inward changes in people, how to go about doing this? Is there anything we can do? Is this something PRA practitioners should be concerned with?

How to change?

Changing the way people behave and think about something like rural development can be a difficult task. Changing the fundamental set of values within an individual that influence their attitudes and behaviour, is a much more daunting challenge because it means bringing about an inner transformation or a kind of 'inner development' that very often is beyond the power of the individual themselves, let alone that of outside persons. So how to do it?

Many of us have experienced the change that comes about through extensive exposure to working with participatory approaches, whether through PRA in the field or in other disciplines such as education or health. This surely can be an effective way to bring about change within our inner rural landscape, but it does take time. However, I wonder if this is enough. I can recall being in a session some years ago with PRA practitioners, discussing how to change attitudes and behaviour, and some people expressed their frustration in recognising what were appropriate attitudes and behaviour for themselves, but being unable to actualise them. I wonder how widespread is this experience?

The implication is that in some cases something more than external experiential learning is needed to bring about effective personal change in one's attitudes and behaviour. I suggest that this 'additional something' might be worth looking into.

For myself, it has been the combination of work experience that fosters personal change in attitudes and behaviour, coupled with an inner transformative process that brings about deep changes in one's being, that is essential to achieve permanent personal change. This is a touchy area to get into because of the associations, nevertheless I firmly believe that as we shift our focus more and more to the importance of human relationships, we have to enter into the realm of personal change, because the biggest obstacles to achieving successful results with approaches like PRA are the attitudes, behaviour and values of the people involved.

Conclusion

The question of attitude, behaviour and values is fundamental to the future growth of participatory approaches in all fields. Some people are 'naturals' and can immediately swim with the tide, others have to go through transformative processes to adjust to these approaches. A certain degree of personal change can happen through direct experience with participatory processes, but it may be only a short term change - ie, for the period of the event. Long term personal change may require other types of transformative experiences, perhaps on an inner level, in order to achieve deep penetration and permanency.

Because of the fundamental importance of personal development and transformation, is this not something that should be discussed and explored in PRA circles, especially if we believe in the need for more 'true believers'?

Bardolf Paul is currently Chief Technical Adviser for a Social Forestry Support Programme in Viet Nam, that is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by Helvetas a Swiss NGO. He has been working with participatory approaches in forestry extension, training and education in Viet Nam since 1991.

Learn more about PRA (Participatory Rural Analysis) and PLA (Participatory Rural Learning)

Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is an approach used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other agencies involved in international development. The approach aims to incorporate the knowledge and opinions of rural people in the planning and management of development projects and programmes.

(Wikipedia)—http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participatory_rural_appraisal

PRA Description—http://portals.wi.wur.nl/ppme/?Participatory_Rural_Appraisal_(PRA)

PLA (Participatory Learning and Action)—http://portals.wi.wur.nl/ppme/content.php?ID=394&IDsub=566

Robert Chambers, a noted expert in PRA, has written several important books on the subject.

Whose Reality Counts?: Putting the First Last 

Ideas For Development

Participatory Workshops: A Sourcebook of 21 Sets of Ideas and Activities 

Rural Development: Putting the last first    
   
Rural Development: Putting the last first