Participatory Rural Appraisal Methods Research Articles

Corporate-Community Synergy: Empowering Traditional Essential Oil Production in Wayame Village, Ambon City

This article examines the collaboration between PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal Wayame (IT Wayame) and the traditional community of essential oil distillers, Bunga Tani, in Wayame village, Ambon City, Maluku Province. The study uses the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method to analyze how corporate involvement can transform traditional production methods, improve product quality, and create new market opportunities for rural communities. Through a five-year empowerment program, IT Wayame provided critical support, including the introduction of modern machinery, construction of permanent production facilities, and assistance with legal certifications, which enabled Bunga Tani to meet broader market demands. The partnership resulted in a 35% increase in production capacity and income within the first year, demonstrating the potential of business-community synergy to promote economic growth while preserving cultural heritage. This case study highlights the effectiveness of a bottom-up approach to community empowerment, ensuring that development initiatives are aligned with local needs and potential, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic development in rural areas.

Community Empowerment Through the Development of the Watu Wayang Tourism Village, Srimulyo Village, Piyungan District, Bantul Regency

The development of tourist villages in addition to functioning as an improvementin environmental conservation, also functions as a community economic development. This illustrates theprocess of economic and social community empowerment. Thus, the development of community-based tourism is a strategic effort to empower the community. This activity has the theme of Community Empowerment through Tourism Village Development. With the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method and data collection techniques through interviews, observations, Focus Group Discussion, and literature studies, this activity aims toincrease the knowledge of Watu Wayang tourist village managers about excellent services andtourism promotion. The results of the activity show that the community's knowledge and skillshave increased, especially regardingexcellent service and tourism promotion. This can be seenfrom the results of the evaluation of activities, especially the results of pritest and posttest. The results of the implementation of community service can be concluded that the implementation of these activities have been able to improve the abilities and skills of tourism village managersin Watu Wayang.

Integrating community perceptions, scientific data and geospatial tools for sustainable water quality management

Globally, ecosystems and human health are at risk due to declining river water quality. The current study focuses on the River Asan, Uttarakhand, which faces significant water quality challenges due to various environmental, industrial, and domestic factors. This research presents an exhaustive study that intricately blends local community perceptions with scientific data, employing Geographic Information Systems to map water quality across seven critical locations along the river. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and systematic water quality test methods were applied to find the objective of this study. The research highlights the importance of considering social, cultural, and environmental factors in understanding water quality issues. The detailed, location-specific analysis, enriched by the vast array of community insights, offers a unique lens through which the environmental challenges at each site are examined. Significant findings represent that in Nayagaon, from 2019 to 2023, rising water temperature (1.6 °C increase) and decreasing pH (7.3–6.5) were observed. Reduced dissolved oxygen (9.7–6.1 mg/L) aligns with community concerns about water quality, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to protect the Asan River and its dependent communities. Integrating local perceptions with scientific data provides a nuanced understanding of water quality issues, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to safeguard the river ecosystem and the well-being of the communities dependent on it, thereby offering valuable insights for sustainable environmental management.

External intervention and responsive adaptation by the community: Experiences of improving house quality in an urban slum

AbstractNon‐governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental organizations, or other entities may run their projects as external interventions within a community to reduce disaster risks and adapt to future climatic events. These external interventions may influence the community to take further adaptation measures for enhancing community resilience. The spontaneous adaptation process, referring as responsive adaptation, needs to be identified and acknowledged. This research aims to investigate the impacts of external interventions on the responsive adaptation process by studying a riverside flood‐prone urban slum in Bangladesh. This settlement experienced a site development project, primarily run by an NGO, that allowed several modifications to the built environment, mainly targeting flood risks. Selected tools of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) or participatory urban appraisal (PUA) methods were employed to obtain data about the community's initiatives for further development. The results show that the site development project, especially its impacts on reducing flood risks, has influenced community members to invest in improving the condition of their individual houses. As a means of responsive adaptation, the conscious developments of their houses contribute to enhancing the resilience level. Through exploring the community's initiatives, this research identifies that the engagement of communities with their knowledge and investments can extend the success of the external intervention.

Youth empowerment in tobacco control: community-based participatory research in rural Indonesia

PurposeThis paper describes the planning and implementation program of Remaja Berdaya Sehat Tanpa Rokok (JayaStar) or Empower Youth Healthy without Smoking (EYHWS). This is a pilot tobacco control program for smoking behavior with a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach in a rural area of Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThis research used the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method. The paper would describe three stages of the JayaStar program that started from diagnosis, planning action and taking action. Participants in this research were all youths aged 17–25 years including as many as 33 people. The key informants were the village head, the hamlet head, the hamlet head’s wife, the youth leader, health promotion officers at the Pleret Health Center and the Health Promotion Section of the Bantul Health Office.FindingsThe determinants of the youth empowerment process are divided into (1) predisposing factors, (2) group structure and (3) group climate. It has an important role in the success of the youth empowerment process in smoking behavior control. The implementation of the JayaStar program consisted of (1) outbound, and training with the theme of increasing self-potential; (2) training on the impact of cigarettes/vapors on the health of youths; (3) discussion and practice of making health campaign videos; (4) parenting program with the theme of the important role of parents in creating a healthy and superior young generation; (5) declaration and inauguration of JayaStar volunteers.Originality/valueThis research is an example of a successful community-based youth project that resulted in a demonstrable positive outcome. It demonstrates the importance of good relations between stakeholders. The JayaStar movement could be a potential model for youth empowerment projects to control smoking behavior among future generations in Indonesia.

Assistance in Utilizing Fruit Market Organic Waste for Maggot Cultivation for Fish and Poultry Breeding Communities in Mojokerto Regency

The aim of this mentoring activity is to increase the understanding, skills and capacity of fish and poultry farmers in Mojokerto Regency in developing a maggot cultivation system by utilizing organic waste from the fruit market. This mentoring activity uses a participatory approach with the participatory rural appraisal method, namely by placing the community as the subject and the service team as insiders who are active in implementing the activities carried out. Based on the evaluation of the results of implementing community service assistance activities related to Assistance in the Use of Fruit Market Organic Waste for Maggot Cultivation for the Fish and Poultry Farmer Community in Mojokerto Regency, this assistance activity was successful in providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the use of organic waste for maggot cultivation. The practical implementation of the training material shows that participants are able to apply the concepts they have learned in their respective environments.

Farmers’ livelihood strategies for adapting to reduced water resources in the upstream Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The article analyzes the livelihood strategies of farmers to adapt to reduced amounts of water in the upstream Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The study was conducted in An Phu district, the upstream district of An Giang province, bordering Cambodia, the area first affected when the availability of water resource from the Mekong River changes. The study aims to learn about the impact of changes on livelihood patterns and agricultural livelihood strategies using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods including: household surveys, key informant interviews, participatory rural appraisal methods, and in-depth interviews with farmers. The results show that the decrease in water resources has led to transitions in the livelihoods of farmers. From 2011 to 2022, flood levels had changed, peak floods were lower, and duration of the seasonal floods was shorter. Farmers have gradually changed farming patterns and techniques and adopted different strategies, including from (1) rice to “safe rice” (44.73%); (2) rice to fruits (32.99%); (3) rice to vegetables (6.41%); (4) and vegetables to fruits (13.42%). The reason for these transitions are: reduced water resources availability for practical farming; higher profits are possible with alternative strategies; and, availability of new learning from neighbouring farmers. Better use of available water resources, protection of human health and the environment, and lower production costs are the pathways that farmers have been aiming to achieve effectively and safely on account of changes in their environmental conditions.

Ethnobotany of Zingiberaceae in the Tamiang tribe, Aceh Province, Sumatra

Tamiang is one of the unique tribes from Aceh Province because it is descended from the Sriwijaya Kingdom. This tribe is located in eastern Aceh. Research on the ethnobotany of Zingiberaceae plants in the Tamiang tribe aims to identify species, know the parts used, and classify uses. The method used in this research is Purposive Sampling and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods. This research was conducted in 30 villages from seven selected sub-districts, namely Bendahara, Seruway, Karang Baru, Rantau, Kejuruan Muda, Bandar Pusaka, and Sekerak sub-districts. The respondents selected were the tribal elders, traditional leaders, owners of family medicinal plants, vegetable traders, and housewives. The results showed that there were 10 Zingiberaceae plant species utilized, namely Curcuma longa, Curcuma zanthorrhiza, Curcuma zedoaria, Zingiber officinale, Zingiber officinale var. rubrum, Zingiber cassumunar, Alpinia galanga, Alpinia purpurata, Kaempferia galanga, and Etlingera elatior. The most widely used part of the plant is the rhizome. Zingiberaceae plants are used as cooking spices, traditional medicines, traditional ceremonies, health drinks, food preparations, food fragrances, and in the beauty and economics fields. The ways to utilize and use Zingiberaceae plants are boiling, soaking, grinding or pounding, steaming, mixing in cooking, selling, consuming, and direct use.

Unlocking the sustainable livelihoods strategy for forest communities in the southern slope of Mount Slamet, Indonesia

Mount Slamet in Central Java Province, Indonesia, boasts significant biodiversity potential, yet communities on its southern slope grapple with poverty. This study delves into sustainable livelihood strategies for these communities. Employing participatory rural appraisal methods engages residents in identifying issues and devising solutions. Findings advocate for agrosilvopasture as a viable livelihood, blending crop farming, silviculture, and animal husbandry to balance environmental preservation with economic advancement. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of capacity-building within local communities, emphasizing skill and knowledge enhancement. By advocating community engagement and offering multifaceted sustainable livelihood strategies, this research enriches the discourse on sustainable development for forest communities residing on the southern slope of Mount Slamet.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Asesmen Pembelajaran Berbasis Kuis Interaktif Bagi Guru Matematika di SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang

The independent learning curriculum requires teachers to innovate by utilizing technology. Therefore, teacher skills are needed in using technology, not only in delivering material but also in designing learning assessments. However, the teacher's knowledge at SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang in designing electronic-based learning assessments is still very limited. As a manifestation of Higher Education's Tri Dharma, community service activities are carried out in the form of training, with the title "Training in Making Interactive Quiz-Based Learning Assessments for Mathematics Teachers at SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang". The aim of the training is for teachers to: 1) familiar with the IT-based evaluation system, 2) teacher able to compose questions using an IT-based assessment model in the form of interactive quizzes independently; 3) teacher able to apply the evaluation system in learning. The application used in making the assessment is Kahoot. The method applied in this training is the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. After the training activities the team gave a questionnaire to see the achievement of the objectives of the training activities. This training data analysis uses percentage calculations. Based on the results of the analysis of the implementation of training activities, it was concluded that 1) The teacher's skills in using ka-hoot to make learning evaluation instruments increased, 2) Teachers better understood the importance of making online evaluation instruments, 3) These training activities could improve skills, creativity and the quality of learning evaluation.

Gender Mainstreaming in Natural Disaster Management: Study of Planning for Strengthening Women's Capacity Against Disasters in Bantul District

Planning to strengthen women's capacity to deal with disasters in Bantul Regency is one of the main factors in this research. Because women are ultimately categorized as a vulnerable group, this vulnerability is caused by women's lack of knowledge about disasters. This research aims to analyze plans to strengthen women's capacity to deal with natural disasters in Bantul Regency. This research uses Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods supported by primary and secondary data using Vos Viewer analysis. Secondary data documents the activities provided by BPBD for women's groups. This research uses data analysis techniques with data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. This research also shows that there are positive steps provided by BPBD to women's groups so that they can participate in strengthening women's capacity to face disasters. Based on research findings, the Bantul Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) plans to strengthen women's capacity to deal with disasters by providing socialization about disasters and disaster simulations to women's groups.

Evaluation of the Training Program on Participatory Rural Appraisal Methods Targeting Undergraduate Medical Students from the First Professional Phase

ABSTRACT Background: Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods have been acknowledged as important tools to involve members of the community in the process of identification of their problems, the factors contributing to the development of these problems, and ways by which these problems can be resolved. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study will be conducted in two stages among first professional phase medical students. In the first stage, these students will be trained on PRA methods by the trained teachers, while in the second stage, these students will implement PRA methods in the local community. The entire training process and its different components will be evaluated using validated study tools (semi-structured questionnaire), which will be administered using Google Forms. The statistical analysis will be performed using frequency and percentages, and a paired t-test will be used to compare the change in knowledge before and after training. Conclusion: In conclusion, first professional phase medical students must be trained in PRA methods and subsequently supervised to monitor their change in behavior. However, as the success of the entire program will depend on the quality of training imparted to medical students, the training program must be evaluated from the perspective of students, community, and teachers.

Pemberdayaan UMKM Komunitas Preman Super dalam Pemanfaatan Pemasaran Digital

Purpose – This community service activity aims to introduce the concept of digital marketing to members of the Preman Super Community (Independent Women Sources of Change) and help MSMEs utilize digital marketing to increase competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach – Implementation of activities uses the Participatory Rural Appraisal method with four stages: identification, program design preparation, implementation, and evaluation. Findings – This activity results in an increased understanding of the Preman Super Community MSMEs regarding digital marketing. Community members realize the importance of digital marketing to increase business competitiveness and expand market share. Utilizing digital marketing can also help MSMEs to increase brand awareness. Originality/value – The era of digitalization requires MSMEs to innovate in the type of marketing they carry out. This service activity was carried out to educate the Super Preman Community MSMEs so they can utilize digital marketing to increase business competitiveness.

Community Empowerment Based on Branding Strengthening to Improve Rojolele’s Competitiveness Towards International Market

Klaten Regency is dominated by the agricultural sector, with paddy as its top commodity as much as 51,4% of the total area of 65,556 ha. Delanggu rice, namely Rojolele, has become the identity of Klaten as a local pride commodity from Klaten, Indonesia. Rojolele has special characteristics such as sticky, savory, and distinctive scent (aromatic). In addition, Rojolele has a unique value as part of national identity, culture, and local wisdom which has a huge opportunity to go global in the international market. Although it has been widely known worldwide, there are some challenges in its marketing development, especially in branding awareness. Many Rojolele riced produced by local SMEs in Klaten do not have business licenses yet, thus it hampers the marketing to the wider range area. The aim of the program is to strengthen the branding strategy to improve its competitiveness in the international market. The program will engage Sanggar Rojolele, a farming community in Delanggu Village that has replanted Rojolele Srinuk since 2016 as well as initiated many cultural events based on agriculture as one of local wisdom preservation in Klaten. Universitas Sebelas Maret engaged a close collaboration with the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) Taiwan trhough International Community Partnership (PKMI-UNS) to implement the community partnership program using the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. The activity is divided into 5 steps, namely: 1) training of the business licenses and the importance of product diversification, which will be conducted using instructional and dialog methods; 2) a seminar of strategy to develop Rojolele towards the international market; 3) registration of business licenses of Rojolele and its derivative product; 4) developing an online market strategy of Rojolele; 5) monitoring, evaluation and program output dissemination. The program is expected to increase Rojolele’s market share globally as well as to improve Rojolele Srinuk brand awareness, thus raising its competitiveness in the global market.

Enhancing pedagogical competence of teachers through merdeka curriculum teaching module preparation in Candimulyo, Magelang

Implementing the Merdeka curriculum at all education levels requires teachers to adapt to all its components, including the application of teaching modules in planning. Teaching modules are crucial for a well-prepared learning process, aiming to optimize children's development. This service activity aims to enhance teachers' understanding of preparing teaching modules to improve their pedagogical competence. The participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method is used to address partner problems. The results indicate an increase in knowledge about teaching module preparation based on the evaluation outcomes.

The Vulnerability Model of Water Resources Management in Forest Edge Communities in Sumedang Regency

Purpose: This study aims to explain the vulnerability of institutional management practices of water resources, agent practices, and system reproduction that can potentially cause social vulnerability in society. Theoretical reference: Structuration theory was chosen because this theory can explain structural or institutional vulnerability seen from practices in water resources management. Method: A qualitative approach using the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method was employed to map the social vulnerability of management structures. NVivo mind map analysis and geographic information system analysis were used to strengthen the relationship between social practices and vulnerability information through drought maps. Results and Conclusion: The results of the study show that resource management is vulnerable to maintaining old patterns or habits because agents are unable to break through institutional systems and structures do not have authority, and have no bargaining position. Reproduction of social systems takes place in accordance with ongoing social structures that traverse space and time. The forestry organization KPH Sumedang has the authority to manage water resources around the forestry area. Vulnerability becomes a phenomenon of water user communities on the forest's edge. Discursive and recursive practices of actors/agents perpetuate the social structure of water users, such as the potential vulnerability of the social structure of water user communities and practices that encourage social vulnerability. Implications of research: This study has shed light on the community vulnerability related to the management of water resources by the forest edge communities. In addition, this study has given insight into the vulnerability of the social structure that can be seen from the practices of water users in village communities on the edge of the forest. Originality/value: The originality lies in how this research scrutinizes the social vulnerability model in managing water resources in communities in villages on the edge of the forest. So far, vulnerability has been studied more often after a disaster occurs.

PELATIHAN DIVERSIFIKASI PRODUK OLAHAN IKAN BAGI KADER PKK DESA KUTALIMAN, BANYUMAS SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN PEREKONOMIAN MASYARAKAT

Kutaliman Village is one of 25 extremely poor villages in Banyumas Regency. As an anticipatory step, the Kutaliman Village Government is implementing a village food security program that comes from animal sources. The fisheries potential of Kutaliman Village is abundant, but its utilization is not optimal. So far there has been no business skills training for PKK cadres to manage village fisheries products, which can be a source of additional income for the community. This activity aims to assist in the entrepreneurial skills of Kutaliman Village PKK cadres through training in the diversification of processed freshwater fish. It is hoped that the results of the training will become entrepreneurial ideas and improve the local economy. The method of implementing the activity is the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method which is carried out by directly practicing making fish nuggets and meatballs. At the end of the activity, participants were also asked to fill out a liking (hedonic) test questionnaire. The result of this training activity is to increase the skills and knowledge of PKK cadres in processing fishery products so that they have high selling value and can become an opportunity for entrepreneurship. The results of the liking test showed that all participants liked the fish nuggets and meatballs including the aroma, appearance, taste, and texture. PKK cadres who participated in the training revealed that this activity was very useful and could be a business idea to improve the household economy. The entire series of activities was received enthusiastically by the participants. This training provides household-scale business ideas by exploiting the potential of freshwater fish in Kutaliman Village.

Pelatihan Sertifikasi Halal sebagai Upaya Menunjang Ketahanan Ekonomi Kelompok Wanita Pesisir (KWP) Pantai Kukup Yogyakarta

Pelatihan Sertifikasi Halal sebagai Upaya Menunjang Ketahanan Ekonomi Kelompok Wanita Pesisir (KWP) Pantai Kukup Yogyakarta

Opposing objective and subjective wellbeing outcomes within an environmentally vulnerable delta: a case study of Volta Delta, Ghana.

Despite a growing interest in the measurement and conceptualization of wellbeing, the integration within sustainability research, and the understanding of how different wellbeing outcomes relate, is limited. Many studies focus on singular, often objectively measured, outcomes, without acknowledging the breadth of available measures. This approach can result in crucial subjective information, which can be explored to understand actors' behaviors and responses, being omitted from research and policy. This study explores objective and subjective wellbeing outcomes, and how they relate, within an environmentally vulnerable context. Wellbeing and environmental services are intrinsically interlinked, therefore, appropriate policy solutions are required to address human needs and pressures on supporting ecosystems. This paper uses binary logistic regression modelling, and qualitative participatory rural appraisal methods, to understand the environmental conditions, including climatic hazards and landscape characteristics, associated with households experiencing different objective/subjective wellbeing outcomes within Volta Delta, Ghana. The mixed method approach highlights a differing relationship between inland agricultural areas impacted by drought and erosion, and coastal/riverine, peri-urban landscapes exposed to flooding and salinization. Agricultural areas associate with "poor but happy" outcomes, whereas peri-urban landscapes associate with being "non-poor but unhappy." Drawing on existing literature, and both quantitative and qualitative results, these varying outcomes are hypothesized to be driven by differences in livelihood vulnerability, relative comparisons to others, responses to climatic hazards, and individualistic/collective wellbeing conceptualizations. Our study concludes that environmental conditions influence objective and subjective wellbeing through different mechanisms. Sustainable development research should incorporate both objective and subjective measures when implementing and monitoring policy to more comprehensibly capture, and improve, wellbeing in environmentally vulnerable locations.

Personality development education for school-age children to enhance the soft skills and overall quality

Kebon Wage Hamlet, Ngepanrejo Village, has a Qoryah Thoyyibah learning studio built by PPMT UNIMMA students in 2022 in collaboration with partners from LazisMU. However, there is still a problem, that there is no special training to develop the soft skills of children studying in the studio. This service activity aims to improve student character. The service is carried out using the PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) method, involving the community. All students and teachers in soft skills training are actively involved in the activity process. Besides that, children are also given training in soft skills and the skills to plant green beans using cotton, make wall magazines, learn to color, play puzzles, and participate in leadership activities. The results of this service include increased self-confidence in public speaking and an improved ability to articulate thoughts when speaking in public.