DefinePK

Research Objective

To analyze and report on the achievements, challenges, and critical lessons learned from using Participatory Action Research (PAR) as an interventional strategy in selected outreach projects at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of these activities and fostering rural transformation.

Methodology

The study is a case study of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) focusing on two outreach projects: the "Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Programme (UMADEP)" and the "Innovative Communication Pathways in Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies and Improving Market Information in Tomato Value Chain" project. The research was anchored in the PAR framework, involving cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data was collected through a combination of primary and secondary sources. Primary data included eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members and information from dialogue conferences. Secondary data was gathered from literature reviews, project reports, and researchers' field notes. The collected data were analyzed using a thematic analysis procedure.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Case Study Selection: SUA Outreach Projects] --> B[Data Collection];
    B --> C[Primary Data: Focus Group Discussions & Dialogue Conferences];
    B --> D[Secondary Data: Project Reports & Literature Review];
    C --> E[Data Analysis];
    D --> E[Data Analysis];
    E --> F[Thematic Analysis based on PAR Cycles];
    F --> G[Identification of Achievements];
    F --> H[Identification of Challenges];
    F --> I[Identification of Critical Lessons];
    G --> J[Conclusions & Recommendations];
    H --> J;
    I --> J;                    

Discussion

The paper argues that PAR is a valuable bottom-up strategy for making university outreach sustainable and responsive to community needs. The cyclic process of PAR allowed for continuous learning and adaptation, enabling projects to address emergent challenges, such as marketing issues that arose after production increased. The use of participatory tools like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), feedback meetings, and farmer groups was central to co-developing and implementing action plans. The study emphasizes that long-term commitment and mutual trust between the university and communities are essential for the success of PAR initiatives. However, challenges such as power dynamics within groups and community dependency on external support must be carefully managed.

Key Findings

- The Participatory Action Research (PAR) strategy effectively sustained the university's outreach activities and strengthened the university-community linkage.
- PAR contributed to the transformation of rural communities through individual, economic (e.g., increased women's income), and organizational empowerment.
- The approach fostered strong collaboration between researchers and farmers, as well as among other project partners and actors.
- Key challenges identified include the time-consuming nature of PAR, institutional limitations in resource allocation, and a tendency for communities to perceive researchers as "outsiders" with resources to solve all their problems.
- Frequent interaction and close involvement of all stakeholders were critical for project success and overcoming challenges.

Conclusion

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a useful and relevant interventional strategy for sustaining university outreach activities and promoting community transformation. The success of this approach relies on the long-term commitment of both the university and the community to work collaboratively. For PAR to be effective, universities must prioritize and commit sufficient time and resources to their outreach programs. The study demonstrates that PAR can successfully build sustainable linkages between academic institutions and rural communities for technology generation and dissemination.

Fact Check

1. The "Uluguru Mountains Agricultural Development Programme (UMADEP)" was implemented in the Morogoro region from 1993 to 2020. This is stated in the Methodology section.
2. An end-of-project evaluation by Intermon Oxfam (2010) showed that the percentage of women earning over TShs 500,000 increased from 1.2% at the project's start to 7.8% at its end. This is reported in the Results and Discussion section.
3. A total of 382 farm families were keeping 1,538 Norwegian dairy goats in three wards of the Mgeta division as a result of project interventions. This is mentioned in the Results and Discussion section.

Mind Map