Methods for Development Work and Research Upplaga 2

Praise for the First Edition: 'It is a guide of vital importance to researchers, trainers and extension workers, especially those collaborating with communities in developing countries' - "European Journal of Development Research". 'There is much of value here that even experienced development workers might learn from! Mikkelsen offers many insights that would be valuable to any economist undertaking field work in development' - "The Australian Journal of Agricultural Economics". 'An enthusiastic, vibrant supplement to methodology texts! The formulation is concise, comprehensive, yet substantial' - "Business Line". 'Development researchers will be grateful to Mikkelsen for her laudable job in competently assessing their needs! She provides an overview of the traditional and the new techniques and tools for field study' - "Deccan Herald". This is the completely revised version of the highly successful textbook first published in 1995. This edition incorporates new lessons learned regarding the merits and pitfalls of development work, including participatory methods and participatory development in practice."Methods for Development Work and Research" outlines significant trends in international development co-operation with reference to change and continuity. It incorporates critical perspectives on participation to allow practitioners to reflect on the theoretical as well as the practical and ethical implications of their work. It provides examples of participatory methods in use particularly in macro-policy, budgeting and poverty reduction strategies. It provides guidance on how to analyze qualitative data using indicators and IT tools. It highlights the gender perspective in development work; elaborates on a rights-based approach to development which is currently replacing the conventional needs-based approach. It focuses in greater detail on monitoring and evaluation. It elaborates on ethics, methods and development interventions. It addresses the important question of the problems of encountering 'other' cultures. Based on feedback received in response to the first edition and also the author's hands-on experience, this revised version continues to offer valuable and practical guidance combined with critical reflection on methods for development work and research.Dr Britha Mikkelsen is a senior social science and research specialist with COWI, Denmark, with wide experience in conceptualizing, conducting and coordinating project and program evaluations and impact studies.