Rapid rural appraisal: A participatory problem formulation method relevant to Australian agriculture

Abstract

Rapid rural appraisal (RRA), a qualitative survey methodology, is being increasingly utilised in Third World situations to formulate better the problems and identify opportunities for agricultural research and development. In Australia there have been few recent innovations in research methodologies and in the processes by which agricultural research and development problems are formulated despite the increasing complexity of the problems being encountered. Outcomes of an exploratory RRA and a subsequent topical RRA, first used in an Australian context in the Forbes Shire, central western NSW, in 1988, are discussed. It is suggested that the concepts which underpin RRA and the range and richness of outcomes make it a relevant tool for the formulation of problems for agricultural research and development in Australia and other developed countries. A model for future agronomic research which has emerged from the RRA experiences and which incorporates RRA is proposed. This model, which focuses on farmer participation in the research process, is seen to offer greater potential for sustainable agricultural development in Australia than the increasingly questioned linear ‘transfer of technology’ model.