Participatory Rural Appraisal Research Articles

Farming system diversification: An insight on strengthening the livelihood in a hilly ecosystem

To make Indian agriculture remunerative, and enhance farmers’ income, the Government of India initiated a mission for doubling the farmers’ income (DFI) by 2022. For DFI under a conventional cropping system, the agriculture sector needs to grow @15% per annum. Therefore, there is a need for reorienting the conventional cropping system with a more productive alternative integrated farming system, combining on and off-farm occupations with high technological support. With this background, the present study was carried out in a cluster of villages where interventions through a research institution (Farmer FIRST project) were made. Such interventions were undertaken in a cluster of 7 villages involving 500 farm families (2016–19). The technological gaps were identified through benchmark surveys using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and extensive farmers' group discussions. During this, farmers’ skills and managerial capabilities were explored, and 16 interventions of various farming modules and sub-modules attributed to higher income were identified and implemented. The farmers were continuously provided technological and partial input support in terms of capacity building and seeds, fertilisers and similar others. The results indicated that mushroom production had high potential for supplementing farm income (117% per farm family). The income from food grains increased by 81% whereas, income from seasonal and off-season vegetable crops increased by more than double. Dairy farming exhibited 52.38% increase in income. In absolute terms, the dairy had maximum contribution in increasing income by ₹24,014 followed by food grains (₹13,251). The intervention modules increased the average per-farm family income by ₹46,979, which was highly significant (P<0.01%). The income of 40% of the farm families increased by more than double, while the income of 1% of the farmers increased by >75% in just 2 years. Overall, when four modules and sub-modules of the model were put together, the total farm income per family increased by 67% from ₹70,290 (2016–17) to ₹1,17,269 (2018–19).

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.

Farmers’ production constraints, preferred varietal traits and perceptions on sorghum grain mold in Senegal

Improving sorghum adoption rates by developing adapted varieties that meet end-user preferences is a major challenge in West Africa. In this study, a participatory rural appraisal was undertaken to identify the main sorghum production constraints, farmers’ preferred variety traits and their perceptions on sorghum grain mold. The study was conducted in four representative rural communities located in the main sorghum producing area of Senegal. A total of 260 farmers were interviewed and data were collected through focus group discussions and individual questionnaires. Our results indicated that Striga, insects, poor soil fertility and drought are the major sorghum producing constraints in Senegal. Grain mold was identified as the second most important sorghum disease after the damping-off. Discoloration on grain surface was the most important criteria farmers used to recognize the disease. The most important sorghum traits farmers desired in improved varieties are medium to short plant maturity cycle, medium plant height, large open or semi-compact panicle, big and white grain, and adaptation to local growing conditions. The results showed that the sorghum cropping system is dominated by male farmers who mainly grow local landraces. These results will provide updated recommendations for the breeding products profile to meet end-user preferences in Senegal.

Learning from local knowledge on changes in tree-cover and water availability: the case of the contested agroforested landscape of the Mt. Elgon Water Tower, Uganda

Participatory Rural Appraisal was used to compare stakeholder perceptions of spatial and temporal variation in tree cover and water availability using Uganda’s Mt. Elgon Water Tower as a case study. This study was guided by the research question: How do multi-level stakeholders’ perceptions of changes in tree-cover and water availability vary across spatial and temporal scales of the water tower? Five Participatory Rural Appraisal tools were applied to understand multi-level stakeholders’ perspectives on the changes in tree-cover and water availability. Data was collected from farmers’ focus group discussions, key experts from local government offices and structured household interviews with local communities. This study focused on the upper and lower zones of the water tower, which differ in terms of proximity to Mt. Elgon National Forest Park, household water-use, elevation, and tree-cover. Results showed that there are both similarities and differences in perceptions of changes in tree cover and water availability among stakeholders. Farmers and key experts perceived a decrease in water availability and a decrease in overall tree cover for the period 1990–2020. There are differences in stakeholders’ perceptions of water availability across the zones and sub-catchments. For instance, more farmers in Sipi River Sub-catchment perceived a decrease in water availability during 2006–2020 compared to 1990–2005 period. There were notable contradictions in farmers’ and key experts’ perceptions on tree cover. Farmers’ perceptions of 1990–2020 precipitation were in agreement with trends in existing precipitation data. Declining trends of natural tree cover especially outside the Mt. Elgon national forest park pose great threat to water resources originating from forests. Changes in tree cover and water availability in the study area can be partly explained by the tree species grown. Local stakeholders’ perceptions complemented the existing data gaps in explaining the changes in tree cover and water availability. Participatory Rural Appraisal tools are helpful for documenting the perceptions of local communities. However, this cannot replace reliable data resulting from large-scale efforts for monitoring changes and variations in tree-cover and water availability. The findings of this paper can be valuable to inform strategies for community involvement in sustainable agroforested landscape management.

Mangrove Ecosystem Management Strategy to Support Sustainable Development Goal 14

Sustainable mangrove management plays a pivotal role in advancing various sustainable development goals (SDGs). These encompass poverty and hunger eradication, fostering livelihoods and economic growth, countering the impacts of climate change, and protecting biodiversity. To investigate this matter, our study employed participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and focus group discussion (FGD) techniques. The study engaged with local government officials, fishermen, farmers, non-governmental organizations, women leaders, community leaders, and the general public actively involved in mangrove forest regions. The purposive sampling method ensured a representative sample. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, integrating SWOT analysis and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The findings revealed several key strategies: promoting the development of the potential of economically and sustainably valuable mangrove ecosystems through environmentally friendly planting and harvesting; empowering communities through farmers, fishermen, and women’s groups to generate household-scale mangrove-based industries; providing all necessary facilities and infrastructure for mangrove ecotourism visitors; expanding the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in improving community awareness and knowledge on the management of mangroves; and providing training to increase the diversification of mangrove economic products.

Community-Based Payment for Forest Environmental Services: A Study in Vietnam

The implementation of the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) strategy is increasingly being adopted through community-based initiatives globally. Nonetheless, the comprehension of such community-based PFES remains considerably limited. This investigation delves into the community-based PFES, scrutinizing the impact of local community involvement in PFES financial management mechanisms on the efficacy of this policy at the community level. Conducted in Dien Bien province, Vietnam, this study employed Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques alongside household surveys. The findings indicate that the community-based PFES is operational with efficacy. It engenders motivation and fosters communal engagement in concerted forest conservation endeavors. Moreover, the pillars of self-administration, equitable distribution of benefits, and robust oversight are pivotal in determining the triumph of this policy approach.

Bhabinkamtibmas Strategy in Empowering Community Roles in Preventing Forest and Land Fires in Palangka Raya

Bhabinkamtibmas strategy in an effort to create security and order by empowering community participation is expected to be able to prevent fire incidents which often occur throughout the year, administrative sanctions and civil sanctions, and alternative environmental dispute resolution which is not effective. The method used in this research is a combination of Quantitative and Qualitative using statistical analysis tools carried out in Palangka Raya, Jekan Raya District. The results of this research show that by using the PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) Test with the FGD method, the community supports and plays an active role in preventing forest and land fires. Apart from that, the results of the Variable Descriptive Statistical Analysis Test show all existing variables such as the Bhabinkamtibmas Strategy with a value of 17.039 > t table 1.992 and a significance value (Sig.) of 0.000 < 0.05, community role of 2.393 > t table 1.992 and significance value (Sig.) of 0.019 < 0.05 and community empowerment of 5.662 > t table 1.992 and significance value (Sig.) of 0.019 < 0.05 influential significantly towards preventing forest and land fires.

Traditional Ecological Farming Practices in the Eastern Himalayan Mountain Environment: Case of a Naga Village, Nagaland (India)

The farming systems practised by the tribal communities in the mountain environment of the North-Eastern region of India are eco-friendly and local climate responsive. These play a significant role in ensuring food security and conserving the local agro-ecological diversity. These farming practices are rooted in the local ecological set up, and they reflect the Indigenous people’s response to the environment of the area. The inhabitants of the Khonoma village of Kohima district, Nagaland, the study village, have been traditionally practising unique Alder tree-based jhum (shifting) cultivation, terrace-based panikheti (wet cultivation) and kitchen gardening based on their Indigenous knowledge and skills. They have been practising mixed farming by integrating crops, fish and livestock. The local communities have also evolved some methods for managing the natural settings to sustain their agriculture and livelihoods. This study is an attempt to investigate the methods of traditional farming system of Khonoma, a mountain village in the Eastern Himalayas. This study is based on primary data/ information collected through household survey using semi-structured household survey schedule, participatory rural appraisal (PRA), focus group discussion (FGD), and interviews with key informants and personal field visit in early 2021. The terrace-based panikheti, adopted by the people of Khonoma village, has been proved a location specific eco-friendly method for soil and water conservation. The Alder tree-based jhum practice, as opined by the villagers, is a sustainable livelihood option in the context of the mountain ecological setting and unique cultural values of the people.

A participatory learning management model of indigenous knowledge for creative economy of Karen in Thai-Myanmar Border

ABSTRACT The Karen is the largest hill tribe in Thailand, living in densely forested areas on the Thai-Myanmar border for centuries. This study aims to develop a participatory learning management model of indigenous knowledge for creative economy. The qualitative research purposively selected participants based on a village complex of four Karen major subgroups including Pga K’nyau (White Karen), Pwo (Red Karen), Pa-O (Black Karen), and Kayah (Long Neck Karen). This participatory action research applied three techniques including Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Appreciation Influence Control (AIC), and Future Search Conference (FSC) to provide opportunities for participants to take part in this study. The findings found that a participatory learning management model of indigenous knowledge for creative economy requires knowledge integration and holistic learning processes. The knowledge integration and holistic learning processes must be sustainable in several areas including: being environmentally friendly, building pride, adding values, as well as maintaining identity. This paper offers policy implications on indigenous education.

Gender, agricultural risk perceptions, and maize seed systems: A case study of drought-tolerant maize varieties in Uganda

CONTEXTDrought-tolerant maize (DTM) varieties and other agricultural technologies can play an important role in maintaining crop production and livelihoods, yet their uptake remains low. Most research on risks in agriculture only considers climate risks as a barrier to adopting agricultural technologies. Farming communities face other agricultural risks related to health, finances, markets, and institutions. These risk perceptions may be different for male and female farmers. OBJECTIVEWe explore the agricultural risk perceptions of male and female smallholder farmers, assessing gender roles and norms and their influence on risk perceptions. Subsequently, we discuss the implications of these perceptions and gender roles and norms on the uptake of drought-tolerant maize varieties in Uganda. METHODSWe conducted a qualitative study with men's and women's focus groups in twelve villages in three districts in Uganda. We used participatory rural appraisal tools with each group to structure the discussions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSProduction risks, health risks, social norms, and financial constraints may play an important role in smallholder agricultural decision-making. These risks are inseparable and different for men's and women's groups. Women tend to prioritize climate and crop management risks, while men place more weight on financial constraints. The perceived impact of health risks, risks related to social norms, and market risks vary across men and women in different districts. Dokolo reflects more traditional gender roles, while Iganga and Masindi note more contested gendered power over maize cultivation. The risk and concern ranking in Dokolo shows more similarity between men and women compared to Iganga and Masindi. Women tend to have less access to DTM varieties in the formal seed system, while they tend to have fewer resources to mitigate health and crop production risks. To reach and benefit more women with DTM varieties, we draw attention to access to information, bringing seed closer (potentially subsidized), gender transformative interventions, and investment in open-pollinated varieties disseminated through the informal seed system. SIGNIFICANCEOur research emphasizes the importance of considering multiple risks in agriculture when promoting resilient farming systems rather than focusing solely on climate risk. We also show the importance of applying a gender lens to these risks and the uptake of DTM varieties. Serving as an inclusive and pro-poor risk management technology, DTM would benefit from ensuring that the technology becomes available to male and female farmers in multiple seed systems, including formal seed systems (primarily hybrids) and informal seed systems (primarily open-pollinated varieties).

Implementation of Urban Farming with Fertigation System on Vegetable Commodities for Food-Independent Communities

The objective of this community service action is to develop yards into plant cultivation areas with a fertigation system. Anticipated outcomes include the establishment of local food security within the community, which will promote a culture of food independence and protect the surrounding environment. This research was conducted from August to October 2023 through the utilization of the Participatory Rural Appraisal approach, lectures and demonstration plots. The outcome of this research is an enhancement in the partners' capacity to optimize the utilization of yards as cultivation areas for consumption crops, thereby realizing the long-term potential for achieving food independence. The researchers discovered that urban farming could be implemented in Tapis Village in order to establish a food-independent community. However, after receiving training, the researcher realized that for urban farming to be effective and increase community interest, it must also increase the economic value of the community.

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.

Institutional Restructuring of Shibori Sidomaju Elderly Community for Sustainable Business Support

The Shibori Sidomaju elderly group is a community that actively produces and sells shibori cloth. As the Shibori Batik business develops, there are many conflicts of interest between members. The management chairman committed fraud by taking over all the assets owned by the community, so the village government took over the management. This community service aims to transfer knowledge regarding institutional strengthening through management reorganization by establishing articles of association, by-laws, and organizational structure. The approach to community service activities used is Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in counseling, mentoring, and training. The target community is the administrators and members of the Batik Shibori Elderly group in Kenteng Village. The activities were carried out from July to August 2023. The results show that Shibori managers understand the importance of institutional legality and the Shibori organizational structure. The output of the activity was the article by law, which was agreed upon and approved by all Shibori members. On this occasion, an organizational structure was also agreed upon that reflects the primary duties of the management, members, and village government. The division of leading tasks and functions can increase the sense of responsibility, commitment, and loyalty. Awareness and understanding of leading tasks and functions are the keys to developing the Shibori business.

Cultural branding: Development of culture-based tourism village towards sustainable tourism

Kamal Village in Arjasa District, Jember Regency, East Java, has cultural and historical tourism potential through the Duplang Site, Klanceng Site, Ta' Butaan folk art, and Kadisah traditional rituals. This great tourism potential can be developed to promote Kamal Village as a culture-based tourism village. Through a participatory rural appraisal approach involving village-owned businesses, the Tourism Appreciation and Tourism Awareness Group, the Youth Organization of Kamal Village, and collaboration with the Jember Regency Tourism and Culture Office, the community service team assisted in the form of organizational assistance (institutional strengthening), event management training, and strengthening the promotion and branding activities. The results of this community service are expected to strengthen the cultural branding of Kamal Village towards sustainable tourism to realize sustainable and positive economic, social, and environmental impacts for related stakeholders.

Community-Based land use models for sustainable livelihoods in Merapi Volcano disaster prone areas III in Sleman Regency

Merapi Volcano is one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia. The disaster-prone areas of Merapi Volcano are divided into three levels, namely disaster-prone areas I, II, and III. Level III area being the highest risk area. Disaster-prone area III of Merapi Volcano is a place for people’s daily activities to manage their livelihood assets such as farming and gardening, livestock, sand mining, and tourism. This study aims to analyze land use in disaster-prone areas III of Merapi Volcano, find the relationship between land use and community preparedness, and find a model of sustainable land use in disaster-prone areas based on the community. The research method uses qualitative methods with participatory rural appraisal techniques. The research was conducted in villages located in disaster-prone areas III of Merapi Volcano which are included in the Sleman Regency area. The results of the research are finding the land use models based on spatial and temporal considerations and a community-based land use model at the micro to macro level in disaster-prone areas III. This research can be input for policy makers, institutions working in the field of disaster, further research, and for the wider community in carrying out land use in disaster-prone areas.

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.

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.

Conservation, Livelihoods, and Agrifood Systems in Papua and Jambi, Indonesia: A Case for Diverse Economies

Community-based conservation in Indonesia is seamlessly intertwined with rural livelihoods and agriculture and food (agrifood) systems. In bridging conservation and livelihood, the state often imposes market-based mechanisms and value chain linkages onto smallholder farmers, which disparages other forms of livelihood strategies and modes of production. This paper, therefore, aims to document the diverse economies within forest-dependent communities that enable them to autonomously build a sustainable livelihood and contribute to conservation. We used Gibson-Graham’s diverse economies approach as a framework to understand the ways in which the diversity of economic means (subsistence, market-based, alternative) goes beyond a mere livelihood strategy, but also acts as a basis for a more democratic and inclusive conservation practice. To capture these livelihood stories, we employed participatory rural appraisal (PRA), in-depth semi-structured interviews with 89 key informants (including smallholder farmers, household members, community leaders, village officials, elders, and youths), and visual ethnographic approaches in six villages adjacent to forest areas in two provinces in Indonesia (Jambi and Papua). We conclude by emphasizing how the diverse economies approach helps in understanding the ways in which the local communities seamlessly move beyond various agrifood systems and modes of economies, while making the case that what emerges from this space of possibilities is an ethics, and politics, of care toward forest conservation.

Penguatan Literasi Digital Dalam Pemanfaatan Website Pada Badan Usaha Milik Desa Cibogo

This community service activity aims to improve digital literacy in website utilisation at BUMDes in Subang Regency, namely BUMDes Cibogo. The scope of digital literacy in this activity is Digital Skill, which is the ability of individuals to know, understand, and use ICT hardware and software as well as digital operating systems in everyday life. The methodology used in this activity is Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), a strong approach to rural community development. RRA includes aspects of respecting the community, encouraging the community to express and share ideas or opinions, asking questions, listening attentively, and taking notes. After the community service activities, the management of BUMDes Cibogo understands digital literacy at the digital skill level and a perception that digital literacy is very important as an effort to optimise BUMDes performance.