Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is a methodology that involves rural communities in the process of assessing their own needs, resources, and constraints. It is a bottom-up approach that prioritizes the knowledge and perspectives of local communities and seeks to empower them to take control of their own development.

In the Indian context, PRA has become an increasingly important tool for rural development. India is a country with a large rural population and many communities still struggle with poverty, limited access to resources, and inadequate infrastructure. PRA offers a way to bridge the gap between these communities and the development programs and policies that affect them.

This course explores the application of PRA in the Indian context, providing a comprehensive guide to its principles, methods, and best practices. It is based on the author’s extensive experience in the field and draws on case studies from across India to illustrate the ways in which PRA can be used to empower rural communities and promote sustainable development.

The book is intended for a broad audience, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students of development studies. It provides a thorough introduction to the theory and practice of PRA and offers practical guidance on how to implement it effectively in rural communities.

Overall, this course aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on participatory development in India and to promote a more inclusive and empowering approach to rural development.