A Critique on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) as a Data Collection Tool

Social research and data collection are inseparable. Data collection tool is a weapon in the hand of a social researcher, the sharpness of which decides the accuracy of results. For a very long time we have been using traditional data collection tools such as questionnaire survey, case study method, projective methods etc. In the recent past, participatory rural appraisal (PRA) has been emerging as a data collection tool in social research. Initially, it has been used to draw strategic plan to develop an area by non-Governmental organisations (NGO) and by some Government institutions. But PRA’s role as a data collection tool is recently felt and it is being increasingly used for social science research. In agricultural extension, the researchers used PRA for identification of research priorities, field problem identification, training need assessment, infrastructure facilities availability etc. An exhaustive list of PRA tools recommended for various information required is given which will give a lucid picture of an array of PRA tools available. This article is an epitome of how PRA tools can overcome the difficulties in other data collection tools and the inherent flaws in PRA itself.