The contribution of rapid rural appraisals in the planning of on-farm research and extension activities

A case study of the application of rapid rural appraisals (RRAs) in an agricultural development programme (ADP) implemented in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan illustrates that RRAs are an effective method for generating priorities for on-farm research and extension in a relatively short period of time. The extent to which RRAs successfully contribute to these objectives is influenced by a number of factors related to either how their findings are applied or the way RRAs are executed. The existence of a feed-back mechanism, the use of follow-up formal surveys with a narrow focus for extended diagnosis, and the use of RRA findings as proposals in a joint planning process help ensure that priorities for on-farm research and extension are set correctly. The use of an analytical framework as part of the RRA methodology (consisting of a formal method for ranking problems through the construction of problem-cause-effect diagrams based on elements of goal oriented project panning, GOPP) further enhances the effectiveness of RRAs. Moreover, the regular execution of RRAs gradually creates an experienced RRA team within one ADP. Such a team serves as a ‘core’ for all RRA activities and facilitates the execution of an RRA as a multi-disciplinary exercise.