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Guest Editor: Andy Jeans
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Summary

The special theme section of this issue of PLA Notes explores the use of participatory approaches to help local people better understand markets and to develop their skills in managing financial resources. A better understanding of the possible opportunities outside the enterprise – the customers and the suppliers with whom the enterprise must link – and the likely consequences for income of making certain choices, can only empower people in their decision-making. The set of articles in this issue of PLA Notes emphasise peoples' understanding of the financial aspects of, and the consequences of, certain decisions.

Editorial

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1. Using PRA for conflict resolution in national parks: lessons from a Venezuelan experience in Canaima National Park
Iokiñe Rodríguez

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Abstract
Describes the experiences of a Venezuelan NGO, EcoNatura, in carrying out a conflict resolution project and concludes that while PRA has been useful for initiating the communication process between the Park management authority and the local communities, there is a limit to the extent to which PRA can contribute to the resolution of existing conflicts in the Park. The future challenge for EcoNatura and the communities is to influence policy making in order to address underlying issues in existing conflicts, such as land rights and decision-making processes in the management of the Park.

2. Using participatory research methods to explore the learning environment of rural primary school pupils

Abigail Mulhall and Peter Taylor

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Describes the use of participatory activities, together with formal questionnaires, to provide decision makers at national and international level with information for future planning and implementation of primary education programmes.

3. Participatory gender resource mapping: a case study in a rural community in Honduras
Abigail Willmer and Jennifer Ketzis

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Resource mapping and labour allocation analysis techniques were combined to gain a deeper understanding of intra-household division of control and responsibility for labour and resource-related activities in a rural community in Honduras. This combination of techniques, referred to as Participatory Gender Resource Mapping (PGRM) was also used to provide a framework for community members and outsiders to become aware of and sensitive to unequal gender and generational relations.

4. Participatory genealogies
Somesh Kumar and Vinay K. Srivastava

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Abstract
This article describes the tool of genealogy and how it is traditionally used. Suggestions are then made as to how the process can be made more participatory, for example by encouraging participants to draw a genealogical map using local symbols and materials. Finally, it outlines a number of potential uses for participatory genealogy, including amongst other things, the use of it as an entry point activity/ in group formation, conflict resolution and collection of information on mobility and generation change.

5. Participatory GIS: opportunity or oxymoron?
Jo Abbot,Robert Chambers, Christine Dunn, Trevor Harris, Emmanuel de Merode, Gina Porter, Janet Townsend and Daniel Weiner

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Abstract
Documents the findings of a workshop held at the University of Durham on how geographic information systems (GIS) can be made more participatory and locally relevant.

6. Ranks are statistics: some advice for their interpretation

William G.Fielding, Janet Riley and Ben A. Oyejola

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Abstract
The original use of ranking methods in PRA has become replaced by an increased reliance upon ranks for decision-making. This change in emphasis requires practitioners to be aware of the limitations of ranking so that justifiable decisions can be made. Guidelines are given on how to rank and how to interpret ranks.

SPECIAL ISSUE:

understanding market opportunities

7. An enterprising approach to livelihood strategies

Andy Jeans

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An overview of this theme issue of PLA Notes ("Understanding market opportunities") exploring the use of participatory approaches to help local people better understand markets and to develop their skills in managing financial resources.

8. Investigating local markets using PRA
Mathilda Roos and Mampone Mohatle

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Abstract
Describes how a producer group (a sewing and knitting group in South Africa) were assisted to take a fresh look at both the needs of local consumers, and the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors. This information enabled them to consider moving their production away from what they know how to make, to what they believe they can sell.

9. Understanding market obility: perceptions of smallholder farmers in Bangladesh
Kamal Kar and Dipankar Datta

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Describes the experience of participatory research with smallholder farmers in central Bangladesh. The research looked at how and why farmers use different markets to sell their products and what could be done to maximise their profits.

10. Participatory budgets: a farm management type tool to assist farmers in their decision-making
Peter Dorward, Mark Galpin and Derek Shepherd

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Abstract
Describes an adaptation of the 'mancala' board game to assist farmers in Zimbabwe to compare resource utilisation and the likely return for alternative crops. This farm management tool permits both cash and non-cash resources to be represented, resource utilisation over the seasons and cash profits and other benefits can be displayed.

11. A board game for financial management training
Ivan Bond

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Describes a board game (adapted from 'Monopoly') which is used with local wildlife management committees in Southern Africa, to help them (in conjunction with more formal training) to develop their financial management skills in a way that is active and fun.

12. The business planning story: planning land based enterprises with rural Aboriginal people

Paul Mitchell and Fiona Walsh

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Describes a step-by-step model of 'participatory business planning' developed and used with rural Aboriginal communities in Australia. In addition to the familiar land-use mapping, this approach uses stories and pictures to complement written information.

13. Feedback:
Participatory assessment for people with disabilities
David Thomforde with a response from Sulemana Abudulai and Deb Johnson

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14. Extracts:
A new approach to evaluating a peer education programme
Kate Butcher, Sumi Baral, Krishna Bista and Rajendra Adhikary

The communication linkage matrix
Neela Mukherjee View PDF(38KB)

15. A brief guide to training in participatory methods in the workshop

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Tips for Trainers:

Exploring evaluation through drawing
Coupal, Francoise

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