Participatory technology development
Encyclopedia
International development
International development or global development is a concept that lacks a universally accepted definition, but it is most used in a holistic and multi-disciplinary context of human development — the development of greater quality of life for humans...
as part of projects and programmes relating to sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is the practice of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment...
. The approach involves collaboration between researchers and farmers in the analysis of agricultural problems and testing of alternative farming practices.
Origins of participatory technology development
The origins of Participatory Technology Development can be found in a number of approaches, concepts and techniques that became popular in the 1970s and 1980s:- Farming systems research and extension, an approach that introduced social-economic issues into organisations previously dominated by biological and chemical scientists. FSR/E also promoted the idea on 'on-farm' trials;
- Appropriate technologyAppropriate technologyAppropriate technology is an ideological movement originally articulated as "intermediate technology" by the economist Dr...
, a concept that recognises the importance of matching the design of technology to the resources and culture of the user. - Indigenous technical knowledge, a concept that recognised the importance of local expertise and traditional wisdom;
- Participatory rural appraisalParticipatory rural appraisalParticipatory rural appraisal is an approach used by non-governmental organizations and other agencies involved in international development...
, a set of techniques that promoted the involvement of rural people in decision-making.
The PTD process
One of the leading authorities on this process is the Centre for learning on sustainable agriculture (ILEIA) based in the Netherlands. ILEIA has described PTD as “a process between local communities and outside facilitators which involves:- gaining a joint understanding of the main characteristics and changes of that particular agro-ecological system;
- defining priority problems;
- experimenting locally with a variety of options derived both from indigenous knowledge … and from formal science, and
- enhancing farmer’s experimental capacities and farmer-to-farmer communication”.
PTD facilitators
PTD facilitators are usually researchers, sometimes consisting of a team that includes both biological and social scientists. While PTD is closely linked to research, it often crosses the boundary into agricultural extensionAgricultural extension
Agricultural extension was once known as the application of scientific research and new knowledge to agricultural practices through farmer education...
because it involves learning activities with farmers.
See also
- Participatory rural appraisalParticipatory rural appraisalParticipatory rural appraisal is an approach used by non-governmental organizations and other agencies involved in international development...
- Farmer Field SchoolFarmer Field SchoolThe Farmer Field School is a group-based learning process that has been used by a number of governments, NGOs and international agencies to promote Integrated Pest Management...
- Participatory developmentParticipatory developmentParticipatory Development seeks to engage local populations in development projects. Participatory development has taken a variety of forms since it emerged in the 1970s, when it was introduced as an important part of the "basic needs approach" to development...
External links
- AgriCultures Network magazines (Formerly known as LEISA magazines, articles on PTD can be downloaded from this site, available in five different languages
- Field Manual:Participatory Technology Development, produced by GTZ and Rockefeller Brother Fund
- International Institute for Sustainable Development at Colorado State University