PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL

PARTICIPATORY RAPID APPRAISAL

- The purpose of PRA is more to gain an understanding of the complexities of a topic rather
than to gather a highly accurate statistics on a list of variables. In PRA, understanding the
qualitative nuances within a topic is just as important as finding general averages. Its short
duration and low cost also make it possible to carry out a series of PRAs rather than having
to rely on the results of one large survey.
- In this module, we will focus on one of the basic techniques in participatory rapid appraisal,
which is focused group discussion.

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION

- A focus group discussion (FGD) is a good way to gather together people from similar
backgrounds or experiences to discuss a specific topic of interest. The group of participants is
guided by a moderator (or group facilitator) who introduces topics for discussion and helps
the group to participate in a lively and natural discussion amongst themselves.
- The strength of FGD relies on allowing the participants to agree or disagree with each other
so that it provides an insight into how a group thinks about an issue, about the range of
opinion and ideas, and the inconsistencies and variation that exists in a community in terms
of beliefs and their experiences and practices.
- FGDs can be used to explore the meanings of survey findings that cannot be explained
statistically, the range of opinions/views on a topic of interest and to collect a wide variety of
local terms. In bridging research and policy, FGD can be useful in providing an insight into
different opinions among different parties involved in the change process, thus enabling the
process to be managed more smoothly. It is also a good method to employ prior to designing
questionnaires.
- FGD sessions need to be prepared carefully through identifying the main objective(s) of the
meeting, developing key questions, developing an agenda, and planning how to record the
session. The next step is to identify and invite suitable discussion participants; the ideal
number is between six and eight.
- The crucial element of FGD is the facilitation. Some important points to bear in mind in
facilitating FGDs are to ensure even participation, careful wording of the key questions,
maintaining a neutral attitude and appearance, and summarising the session to reflect the
opinions evenly and fairly. A detailed report should be prepared after the session is finished.
Any observations during the session should be noted and included in the report.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

- Is a continuous process of living and awareness raising or conscientization with and in the
context of the people and communities that would develop and enhance community’s
potentials and capabilities, and collective action and participation leading towards
development and empowerment. It is the process of development from the people, by the
people, and for the people (Manalili 1994). This refers to the activities aimed at the grouping
of people to struggle for their common needs and aspirations in a given locality. It revolves
around the people’s lives, experiences, and aspirations. Community organizing is geared
towards the continuing capability building, self- reliance, and empowerment.
 - The ultimate goal of community organizing is to effect changes in social and environmental
institutions so that people can direct their own lives.

BASIC STEPS, PRINCIPLES, AND IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Pre-Entry Into the Community

There are activities to be done or accomplished before entering into communities.

a. Set guidelines or criteria in selecting partner community to work with.

b. Collate basic and substantial information/data of the community.

c. Try to understand the life, culture, values, beliefs, etc. of the community.

d. To get know the formal and informal leaders of the community.

Integration Into the Community

- There are no organizers who became successful in their mission who does not immersed in
the communities they have worked with. Through the process of immersion, community
organizers can feel the real community’s life situation of the community, taking part in their
experiences, poverty and dreams.

Community Study/Analysis

- Before entering into the community, we have initial information or data at hand. In this step,
community study or analysis pertains to the critical collation of different data and
information of community life’s sphere to be able to come-up with clear description and
analysis of community situation. It is a long and continuous process taking part both by the
community and by the community organizer. The community is in the right position to
analyze their situation. It is not right or justifiable that people or community’s role is simply
just supplying the answers in survey form or questionnaires. It is a challenge for community
organizer to ensure the meaningful participation of the peoples in the research and analysis.

Spotting of Potential Community Leaders

- Community should have their own leaders with right values and characteristics. It is very vital
in the process of development and empowerment of the community. Who are the possible
community leaders? a. They have deeper knowledge or grasp of the situation, especially
pressing issues, problems, and concerns. b. They are willing to act and commit theirselves for
the benefits and development of fellow community members. c. As long as possible, they
came from the poor sectors. If not, they should be willing to genuinely commit and work for
and with the poor sectors. d. It is not necessary that they have higher or highest educational
attainment in the community. They are willing to be formed and trained to become efficient
and effective community leaders. e. They have the time and dedication to act for the
community. f. They are respected and recognized members of the community.

Core Group Formation

- From those identified potential community leaders, a core group will be formed to act as
local community organizers. The core group will serve as a foundation in the formation of
 peoples or community organization. From this core group, it could reach the larger members
of the community.

Community Organization.

- The formal community organization should come from the people. From the initiative of and
activities initiated by the core group towards community organizing, they can call for a
general assembly (GA) or community assembly (CA) to present initial community
development plan that could be accepted and developed by other community members.
Community members’ commitment should be win so that not only the core group will be
responsible. There are some principles that will guide the organization. These are: a. Wider
participation of all members; b. Democratic and participatory leadership; and c.
Collective management.

Community Mobilization

- pertains to actions of the community organization based on their identified pressing issues,
problems, and concerns. To mobilize, there are processes to be undertaken, these are: a.
Identification of issues, problems, and concerns; b. Formulation of action plan which
contain and has clear objectives, methodologies or strategies, timeframe/alloted time,
resources needed, and responsible persons, committees or groups; and c. Evaluation
process (how it will be evaluated).

COMMUNITY IMMERSION

SWOT analysis is one of the most common tools used to understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of a particular community or organization. It is a useful tool in setting the objective of a
project and identify the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving
the objectives. SWOT analysis helps in deciding if an objective is attainable based on the idenfied
situation of the community. Strengths and weakness are internally-related, while opportunities and
threats are external. Internal factors may include: resources of the community, location, facilities
present, activities and processes. External factors include: trends and patterns, economy, funding
sources, changes in demographics, legislation, local and national events

HOW TO PREPARE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECT/ ACTIVITY

- Create a project committee to help in the preparation of the project. Be sure to include
community members. Identify the tasks required to implement the project. Look at the
specific needs within each task and ensure that all tasks are covered. Develop a project
timeline. Identify the project date and specify the duration for the completion of each task.
Refer to the timeline to ensure you are staying on track Create a schedule for the day of the
project/ activity. Include all the setup and preparation. Inform target beneficiaries ahead of
time. Conduct a post activity evaluation to determine how well you met the project goals.
You may use the format below for the post activity evaluation. Prepare a documentation
report for the project/ activity.
PLANNING PROCESS

The planning process plays a crucial role in community development. It involves the setting of goals,
identifying key players, and managing resources to achieve such goals. Recognize the Need for
Action – the planning team must first be aware of the need for action in order to take the necessary
steps to achieve the goals. A SWOT analysis may be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of
a community Set objectives – the team must be able to indicate the end result that you wish to
achieve. What are the desirable changes once the project or activity is completed? Develop
strategies – what are the means to achieve desirable outcomes? Strategies must be in line with the
address the objectives set. Identify projects and activities – based on the objectives and strategies,
what activities or projects should be prioritized to address the community needs and issues?
Implement - once a project or activity has been selected, the team may now prepare for the
implementation of the activity. Monitor and evaluate – this will check if the activities implemented
were able to address the objectives set. Monitoring and evaluation will serve as a guide to improve
future projects and activities

OUTLINE OF A COMMUNITY PROJECT PLAN

Project Name or Title – gives a general idea about the project Background and Rationale – answers
why there is a need for the project Objective of the Project – gives the general description of what
the project will address Target Beneficiaries – describes who will directly and indirectly benefit
from the project and how and why they are selected Implementating Strategies – specifies the
activities that will be implemented to address the objectives Project Management – describes how
the project will be managed, who are the key persons for the implementation and monitoring
Project Requirements – lists and justifies all the financial requirements and other resources needed
for the project. Issues – discusses actual and probable issues that may arise during the
implementation of the project..

Relevance Are we doing things right? Effectiveness Are the objectives of the interventions being
achieved? Efficiency Are the objectives being achieved economically? Impact Does the intervention
contribute to reaching a higher level of development objectives? Sustainability Are the positive
effects sustainable?