Bellon, M.R. 2001. Participatory Research Methods for Technology Evaluation: A Manual for Scientists Working with Farmers. Mexico, D.F.: CIMMYT

Abstract: This manual presents methods that enable agricultural scientist and farmers to
evaluate technologies/practices jointly. The methods are specifically designed for
participatory research on germplasm and soil fertility technologies, and they are illustrated
with actual examples from three research projects. The manual begins by reviewing
conceptual issues that are important in participatory research and presents information to
assist researchers in selecting research sites and fieldwork participants. Next, the manual
describes the rationale and associated methods for each major activity in farmer participatory
research: diagnosing farmers’ conditions, evaluating current and new technologies/practices,
and assessing their impact. Goals, procedures, advantages, and limitations of each method are
outlined. The manual also presents detailed information on analyzing data gathered through
participatory methods, discusses differences between gathering data through participatory
methods and more traditional structured farm surveys, and offers examples, based on field
experience, of the choices and strategies involved in applying these methods.

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