Urban Rapid Appraisal
GOH Hong Ching Department of Urban andRegional Planning Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya
What is rapid appraisal? • Rapid appraisal is a method used to understand communities’ own perceptions of their priority needs. • It can also be used to complement quantitative methods of assessing needs by more in-depth qualitative understanding of socio-cultural perspectives. • It can be used as a tool for formulating joint action plans between communities and planners and managers.
History • Started with the Rural Rapid Appraisal in the late 1970’s /early 1980’s. • Although there are differences between rural and urban areas (economy, natural resources, land tenure, number of residents etc), the techniques can be applied in an urban context.
The key characteristics • Participatory in nature • Community people are the master • Expert knowledge is not required • You are only the facilitator
Toolbox/Menu • Rapid and participatory appraisal in urban settlements: – (1) Review of secondary sourcesplanning phase/before fieldwork – (2) Reconsider/determine focus and keyindicators
• Planning phase / before and in beginning of fieldwork – (3) Semi-structure interviewbroad and open-ended questions, relax and informal – (4) Direct and participant observation
– (5) Diagrams, maps, models
• Transect (cross section of the community) • Mapping (e.g. social resource map, geographical features) • Seasonal calendar (e.g. specific issue in yearly calendar, seasonal pattern, income flow work load patterns) • Timelines (e.g. chronological written events, identify past trends problems and causes, good way to involve elderly people
• Models: towards the end of the project/ e.g. to find solutions – Preference and matrix ranking – Use local knowledge – Visualizes analysis and results
Frame for successful appraisal – Triangulation – cross-checking – Learning from/with the local community – Fitting techniques – adjust techniques to local conditions – Visual sharing and work in groups – Analysis and presentation on the spot – Follow-up meetings- whole team should take part in evaluation – Avoidance of bias - keep an eye on the most disadvantaged/those usually overseen
Points to remember Accept errors Be sensitive & respectful
Do not raise expectation
Avoid lecturing
Basic questions with ‘wh’
No rush
Facilitate not dominate
References • Kraas, F. (2010) Challenges of Urban Heritage and Governance in Southeast Asia - Rapid / Participatory Urban Appraisal. http://www.forum-urban-futures.net/files/KraasExpSem-2010-Laos-HeritageGovern-PUA-RUA.pdf • Selener, David et al (1999) Rural sanitation pilot project in Guayara community Santa Isabel, province of Azuay, Ecuador extract from Participatory rural appraisal and planning workbook, Quito: Ecuador: IIRR, pp. 109-127. http://mucd.wikispaces.com/PRA • Koyu, K (2011) Participatory Rural Appraisal. http://www.slideshare.net/ICCNN/participatory-ruralappraisal-kala-rai • James L. Garrett and Jeanne Downen (2002) Strengthening Rapid Assessments in Urban Areas: Lessons from Bangladesh and Tanzania. Human Organization, Vol. 61, No. 4. http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/pubs/pubs/articles/2002 /garrett02_01.pdf