Whose Voice?: Participatory Research and Policy Change

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. With the increasing use of PRA methods and practices by NGOs, governments and multinational agencies, the potential impact for poor people is phenomenal. Whose Voice? demonstrates the far-reaching implications of such approaches for the development sector. The book incorporates the findings of the international workshop on Institutionalization of Participatory Approaches held at the Institute of Development Studies in 1996 and is presented in an easily digestible three part structure: Part 1 explores case studies in which participatory methods and approaches have been used to influence policy, Part 2 concentrates on PPA (Participatory Poverty Analysis), an innovative approach designed to bring local poverty and policy analysis into the policy process, and Part 3 discusses key issues arising during the IDS workshop, and includes chapters by several participants. Containing detailed case studies from around the world and analysis of key development agencies, NGOs and organizations across the sector over the past decade, Whose Voice? will be invaluable to professionals and policy makers, either directly involved or with a special interest in PRA approaches and methods and their impact upon policy and development.