Grass Roots Approaches

The grass roots approach we call the researcher up method. An issue in a certain population is suspected. The researcher goes to the population and using a range of tools, encourages the population to define issues, to analyse issues and to suggest solutions. Grass roots research is largely driven by communities. Using tools established in international development, we use a range of methods and tools to understand people’s real issues.

We stress that using these approaches as one of our research methodologies is not in itself pure participation – and would certainly not be recognised as such by those who are engaged in participation as democracy. We are still raising our question. But these approaches mean the potential of real engagement and we are priviledged to receive opinion and suggestions with far deeper meaning than that arising out of any questionnaire we could write.

The approach is based on the principles and methods of “Participatory Appraisal” (PA) combined with the REFLECT Action model – a combination sometimes referred to as “PLA” or “Participatory Learning and Action”. It uses methods that allowed for rapid data gathering, of which the distinguishing hallmark is the ability for many to participate on an equal footing, regardless of literacy, gender etc. This is achieved by the use of simple, often visual and highly flexible “tools” that allow mapping, analysis and prioritisation to be carried out in a highly accessible manner. It is also underpinned by core values, of which we would highlight three: that all are equal and have knowledge and experience to contribute; that the community, rather than outside experts, are the primary repository of wisdom and understanding regarding local conditions and issues and that one must go to the community rather than expect them to come to you.

These reflective and social action orientated approaches are particularly useful because they facilitate the ability of groups to understand the structure of their experience and identify what needs to change and why.

Participation as a research tool:

All grass roots, or participatory approaches, have an open agenda. We can’t decide in advance what the issues for a community are or what are the questions the community should answer. In this sense it is the opposite of the classic research approach. This makes PA inherently risky as well as rewarding. To give an example: in PA, if we were trying to establish local use of services, we might use a mapping tool. However, we would always start with a blank sheet. We would not put on the map-to-be any agencies unless and until they were referred to by participants. Otherwise it would be our map and not theirs.