Participatory agricultural development in practice

摘要: Participatory development seeks to actively engage local people and communities in development efforts, from problem identification evaluation. The concept is, however, vaguely defined and can reality manifest itself many different ways, with varying success creating a sustained impact. There are also wide range of challenges involved due the collaborative nature the approach. This thesis is qualitative case study exploring Nnindye project, participatory agricultural project that being carried out Uganda. overarching aim to explore implementing which can affect its capacity to generate sustained agricultural development, what lessons be learned might be applicable future projects similar settings. To help answer this question, research questions were developed focusing particularly on 1) kind participation enables, 2) emerging issues important address, 3) relationship between farmers “outsiders” involved, 4) gender dimensions 5) reasons not participate. Literature fields of participatory research, experiences Uganda, helped guide the development these questions. To address questions, semi-structured interviews were 80 farmers in parish (both participants non-participants), sampled through non-probability sampling method. Additionally, 5 researchers familiar using farmer participatory approaches other Uganda convenience sampling, their experiences views explored interviews. At end study, a final interview was one implementers. As it turns out, cannot categorized. Respondents mainly identified material benefits but learning less tangible benefits. One's contribution most often seen as practical input, usually labor. Influence similarly commonly perceived terms rather than “political”. material or pragmatic of participation among some may suggest more efforts needed to strengthen process community building capacity, be of great value both short long term. Luckily, doesn't have exclude other. Participant ownership something viewed by implementors as central, numerous occasions expressed negative opinions towards past topdown approaches. However, “ownership” must mean lack support. Dissatisfaction the group leadership unfair distribution members discovered and there need for systematic monitoring facilitation. results overall show an overwhelmingly positive attitude scientists extension staff farmers, who stated they view very knowledgeable. seemingly an asset but remembered static – jeopardize the current attitudes general. Gender dimensions consider practically all aspects awareness is required implementers ensure women men alike. In general, parallels could drawn researchers, speaking usefulness findings academics practitioners.