The meeting agreed to establish the Seed Network for Asia and the Pacific, which will facilitate inter-country scientific and technical collaboration on seed production and supply, and promote evaluation of crop genetic resources, conservation and utilization in the region. The strength and interest of this excellent guide to Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation lies in the case studies, drawn from all over the world, that make up the first two-thirds of the book. They describe in detail participatory techniques that have been developed, and their advantages and disadvantages, across many different sectors, in countries from Mexico and Ecuador to Nepal, Mongolia, Laos and The Philippines. The last section draws out what can be learned from the case studies, and proposes areas for future research and action. Recommended for all those interested or working in participatory development.
Case studies illustrate how the methods have been applied.
Not surprisingly, covering so much in 250 pages means that the depth of detail is limited, but as an overview, and starting point for closer study, the handbook is worth looking at. Future Positive reads like a labour of love. This is not a dry academic study, but an impassioned vision of how the world could be. This lies in finding a new balance between the forces of competition and co-operation that motivate each of us. However the writing style is accessible and the reader is encouraged by the optimism of Edwards' thesis.