Participatory research in rural communities in transition: A case study of the Malaspina-Ucluelet Research Alliance

This paper provides perspectives on the value of participatory research in empowering rural communities in transition. It highlights one collaborative community-university research alliance in coastal British Columbia and illustrates the benefits and challenges of close linkages between social scientists and communities. It discusses how participatory research can build capacity for successful community economic and social transitions in rural British Columbia, and how challenges and key considerations of community- researcher partnerships are addressed.