What is RRA and PRA in community development?

RRA (Rapid Rural Appraisal) is a methodology used in community development to quickly and efficiently gather information about a community's situation, needs, and priorities. It typically involves a team of researchers or community development practitioners visiting a community for a short period of time, conducting interviews, observations, and group discussions with community members, and reviewing existing data and documents.

PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) is a similar approach that also emphasizes community participation and involvement in the research process. PRA goes beyond simply collecting information from community members and seeks to empower them to take an active role in analyzing their situation, identifying their priorities, and developing their own solutions. PRA typically uses participatory methods such as community mapping, Venn diagrams, and role-playing to encourage community members to express their views and ideas.