PARTICIPATORY CONSULTATION TECHNIQUES

A unique role of the intermediary is participatory consultation with representatives of smallholders and company, as well as any additional agencies which may be involved (banks, supply companies etc)to obtain a realistic understanding of their needs and capabilities; to ensure that the details of the proposed linkage are feasible; and to satisfy these needs and priorities.

There is an extensive literature on participatory consultation techniques. The following references, all accessible through websites, may be found helpful:

• Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK, has a Participation Resource Centre which serves as a clearing house for literature on participatory development. The website shows links to other centres, manuals and publications on participatory tools and methods
• The World Bank has recently adopted participatory approaches to project identification, appraisal and evaluation in agricultural as well as other economic and social sectors. The World Bank website covers a range of publications on participatory research and planning techniques, and on experiences of using these techniques.
• CARE International has pioneered the use of participatory methods, particularly in the health sector. Many of these methods are equally applicable to horticultural production and marketing. A recent CARE publication, which can be downloaded from the website, includes (as Part 3) a Step-by Step Field Guide to Participatory Tools and Techniques.