In order to understand the problems of this particular community, I need to apply concepts and approaches in participatory data collection and analysis. In this social research course, we have learnt participatory action research methods, community research methods and fundamental research methods and I have tried to select the appropriate methods which I will use for my practicum by looking context. So I have decided to use the mixed research methods which will help to triangulate the data to design responsive proposal for the community. I will use the following data collection methodes to design a participatory project proposal

 Community Mapping:

It is one of the participatory action research methods that helps to identify their natural resources, problems, social institutions and prioritize their problems. It is important for sound participatory proposal.

Participants: participants will be the community who have lived for the last 5 years in the area because he/she might know the community very well. Consideration to age and gender proportion will also be given.

Materials: Notebook, flipchart, markers, small stones to rank the problem, and refreshment (coffee and tea).

Procedures: First, I am going to contact the community-based institutions’ leaders and inform the objective and goal of the planned proposal then together we will set the criteria to select the participants. Based on the criteria, we will select the participants, then I will provide briefing about the importance of the proposal for the community and will get consent to contribute voluntarily.  Then we will conduct community mapping.

Focus groups:

Focus groups are small groups organized and facilitated by trained facilitators or leaders to learn opinions or providing data about their community and suggest solutions. This participatory action research method helps us to dig out the common problem of the community and proposed solutions by discussion.

Participants: People living in the area for more than 5 years (who have good knowledge about the community and trends) mostly, community based institution leaders, social group leaders, religious leaders, and some influential persons. I will conduct one focus group discussion by 9 persons (6 male: 3 female).

Materials: Notebook, checklist questions, photo camera, refreshment (coffee and tea)

Procedures: select the participants with community leaders, discussion point should be selected and assigned facilitator and note taker.

Problem Trees and Flow Diagrams:   

This participatory research method is very important to identify and prioritize the problem of the community and understand the core problems, root cause and effects of the problem by the active participation of the community. It helps to propose a right participatory proposal for community change.

Participants: People living in the area for more than 5 years, mostly community based institution leaders, social group leaders, religious leaders, and some influential persons. I will conduct one focus group discussion by 9 persons (6 male: 3 female).

Materials: Pen, pencil, marker, flip chart, small stones or big size grains, photo camera

Procedures: select the participants with community leaders, discussion point should be selected and assigned facilitator or note taker and rank the problems and effects, again present the result to the community.