Introduction
devices, as well as techniques of direct observation, participation and discussion. When Local People partake in these activities and thus help to analyse their own systems (which is usually not done in a formalised way), a two-way learning process is enhanced. This process empowers Local People to take charge of their own situations and negotiate with outsiders from a position of strength and confidence. (Atte, as above)
From ERA's own experience, the process of PR has five advantages in developing relationships with the communities with which it works. They are that:
#PR builds up trust between ERA workers (often outsiders) and a Community
Especially as the results of PR describe the community as something valuable, special and unique.
#PR helps a community to articulate its own experience and ideas, and synthesise them into coherent and visible knowledge
Recognising the worth and power of this knowledge can in itself be a part of community empowerment.
#Well-documented PR provides a sound stock of knowledge for ERA
This gives credibility to its observations.
#Subsequent activities based upon information gained by PR are more likely to be relevant to local communities and thus have a better chance of being accepted and successful in local terms.
Where people have already made a direct investment of time and ideas into a project, they will also be more committed to its success.
#Above all, PR enables the community to have a platform upon which it can make its voice heard
And heard by a wide audience and especially by those agencies which, for better or worse, may wish to influence it.
#In summary, PR involves no more than surveyors divesting themselves of preconceptions, living with local communities and listening to them. This is the essence of Participatory Research; It is the Essence of ERA methodology.
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