CCBD works with host country colleagues and institutions to help local communities increase productivity and conserve natural resources. CCBD disseminates its approach and research through publications and training courses, both at Clark and overseas. PRA, based on RRA, was created and promoted by Clark Professors Richard Ford and Barbara Thomas-Slayter in collaboration with colleagues from Kenya's National Environment Secretariat in the late 1980s. PRA is one of several participatory approaches to local development now widely used in developing countries around the world. As a first step, PRA helps communities to organize and systematize their own information in ways that they will be able to control.
Communities can introduce projects, primarily using their own resources.
PRA helps local institutions and leaders to mobilize themselves for effective action. It assumes that community institutions are among the most underutilized resources available for development efforts. PRA does not wait for outside agents to take initiative but instead enables local groups to become the prime movers. PRA strengthens local leadership and institutions. It also integrates various sectors at the community level.