Whose Voice?: Participatory research and policy change

by Jeremy Holland (Editor), James Blackburn (Editor), Robert Chambers (Foreword)

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and related participatory approaches have opened up new ways in which policy can be influenced by the realities of those who are poor, weak, marginalized, and excluded. Based on the premise that sustainable policies require local voices to be heard, this book demonstrates the far-reaching implications of such approaches for the development sector. Its impact on the poor is potentially phenomenal.The book is divided into three sections: +Part 1 explores case studies in which participatory methods and approaches have been used to influence policy.+Part 2 concentrates on Participatory Poverty Analysis (PPA), an innovative approach designed to bring local poverty and policy analysis into the policy process through the cross-cultural lens of poverty.+Part 3 discusses key issues arising during workshops and includes chapters by several participants.With careful and essential research and evaluation into PRA methods and practices, Whose Voice? is easily digestible with many clear, detailed case studies from around the world, and analysis of key development agencies, NGOs and organizations across the sector over the past decade.

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998