Annex VIII: Overview of Useful PRA Methods

Method	Short Description	Application in Post-Production Systems Analysis
Semi-structured interview	Interview without predefined structure. Use a checklist with 10 to 15 key questions. New questions can arise during the interview. Topics are dealt with as they arise. Used for group and individual interviews.	Can be used to obtain information on all kinds of post-production topics from all actors in the system (e.g. farmers, women, consumers, traders, millers, decision-makers).
Direct observation	Intensive and systematic capturing of phenomena and processes that are observable on the spot. The results should be cross-checked with other information to verify their correctness. Document the results in written reports, videos, photos, drawings, etc.	Post-production operations like harvesting, drying, transportation, storing, pest control operations, processing or selling in the market are ideal objects for direct observation.
Key areas and key indicators	Key questions are asked to identify the study area and to draw up a study plan. Criteria are identified for phenomena that cannot be observed directly. They are assessed using indicators that are simple to observe. The assessments are made by the local people themselves.	Problem identification and assessment criteria such as living standards using indicators like the condition of granaries, tools, machinery, etc.
Local knowledge and classifications	Use precise and adequate local classifications to communicate with the target group. Relate local classifications to internationally known ones in the documentation.	The integration of local know-how is decisive for the success of the study. Important in describing crop varieties, processed products, dishes and units for marketing.

Method		Short Description	Application in Post-Production Systems Analysis
Participatory observation		Experienced social scientists take part in the everyday activities of the actors during at least two to three months. They take notes on all observations and the results of all discussions.	Ideal for farming and household systems analysis, but not necessarily required for the analysis of post-production systems.
Resource and social mapping		A map is drawn in group work showing the resources and social structure of a location. It provides information about public infrastructure, other resources, residential structures and conditions, and the social situation of households.	Resource maps can give useful information about the existing infrastructure for post-production operations like mills or processing plants
Transect		The study area is systematically traversed with local informants on a route including all important land uses. All observations are discussed and recorded. Transects are represented in simple maps.	Transects are generally used to assess problems in agriculture. Combined with a representation of relevant resources they may serve as a way to tackle post-production problems.
Seasonal calendar		Seasonal calendars are drawn up in group work based on discussions. Relationships between natural seasonal cycles and human activities are depicted in simple graphics.		Changes over the year in post-production activities, workload, etc. can be visualised.
Timeline		Timelines are lists of events arranged according to date. Timelines are developed during group discussions.		Timelines may show changes over time relating to post-production factors (e.g. adoption of new techniques).

Method				Short Description			Application in Post-Production Systems Analysis
Venn Diagram				Venn diagrams are drawn up in group sessions. Institutions, groups or persons are represented as circles of different sizes according to their importance. Closeness, intersections or arrows indicate their relationships.				In post-production systems analysis, Venn diagrams may be used to depict the organisational landscape at different levels (from the national down to village level).
Models				Small-scale models can be made from local material like wood. They are used to resolve conflict issues and enable people to envisage the consequences and implications of decisions.				Models may facilitate decision-making, for example regarding the set-up of a village processing unit or the layout of a village market.
Ranking of preferences				Preference ranking helps to quickly identify problem areas and to compare individual assessments. Preferences are identified by assigning scores (e.g. from 5 = most important to 1 = least important).				In post-production systems analysis, preference ranking may be used for comparing alternatives, constraints, etc.
Ranking by pairs				Up to five or six selected units are noted on cards and shown to the interviewed persons two at a time. They indicate the preferred unit or the biggest problem until all combinations have been gone through.				In post-production systems analysis, ranking by pairs may be used for the same purposes as preference ranking.
Matrix ranking and matrix scoring				In matrix ranking a class of objects is evaluated by applying different criteria and assigning a value from 5 (well-suited) to 1 (poorly suited). In matrix scoring the weighting of the criteria is not fixed in a scale, but left to the people doing the analysis.				Matrix scoring is very useful in selecting commodities for study.
Method		Short Description			Application in Post-Production Systems Analysis
Wealth ranking			Wealth ranking starts with a numbered list of households. Each household number is copied on to a card. Key informants are asked independently of one another to place the cards on stacks corresponding to certain categories. The result is visualised in a matrix. Wealth ranking captures differences in living standards.			Wealth ranking may be used to describe the socio-economic situation of the actors in a post-production systems analysis.