A training manual: Participatory assessment and planning (PAP) process for community planning and natural resource management

The Farmer-centered Agricultural Resource Management (FARM) Programme uses Participatory Assessment and Planning (PAP) as their main approach for on site activities in all eight participating countries. The approach taken in PAP is used as a tool for social involvement and can be used in different development situations. The manual is written in relation to the FARM program, but the ideas and concepts can easily be applied to a development worker's project, or various rural development plans. The goal of this manual is to bring farm families to the center of the vital decision making processes in their everyday activities. The PAP concepts have become an important part of the FARM program and its structure of approach policies. The gender aspect of the manual was structured in a two week training program which focused on socio-economic and gender analysis. This training focused on teaching the concepts of appreciating the importance of gender analysis, along with teaching how to use it as a planning tool in the PAP process. Throughout the manual the framework of PAP is described, and tools to bring men and women to the center of decision making, along with tools for maximum participation, and explanations and tips are all incorporated into the five chapters of the manual.