First, bringing together people's different ways of looking at the world challenges established notions of what constitutes rigorous data collection and analysis. Conventional concepts of validity and reliability of data are being questioned as methods are combined in new ways and 'experts' interact more with local people. In such situations, there is a much more of a learning process to go through. A trial phase helps staff and other stakeholders come to grips with the new approach and its implications. Having a high level 'champion' can also be a big advantage, someone in authority who can create room to manoeuvre while experiments take place, and who understands that making mistakes is an important part of the learning process.
Training is another key ingredient.
It is required at all levels, from villagers right through to senior management. As well as concepts and methods, training needs to address questions of behaviour and attitudes, since these are crucial to any participatory process. But to be meaningful, policy makers and development agencies must recognise that their plans and programmes might be fundamentally challenged, and be prepared to respond accordingly. The opinions expressed are the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of IDS or its funders. Readers are encouraged to quote or reproduce material from IDS Policy Briefings in their own publications.