Documenting PAPD
There are two areas aspects to documenting PAPD: 1) supporting local participants to
collect and maintain information and plans on behalf of communities and; 2)
recording the process, strategy and effectiveness of the facilitators.
• Supporting local participants to collect and maintain information and plans on
behalf of communities
This is straightforward because
each stage of PAPD stage is
intended to produce written or
visual records of local planning.
The outputs of each stage can be
retained locally and by the
facilitators. For instance, the
information gathering stage
introduces local participants to
the process of collecting and
managing knowledge
independently. Similarly, the
STEPS tables are an effective way
to prove to others how carefully
the plans were devised.
• Recording the process, strategy and effectiveness of the facilitators.
This is achieved by maintaining a simple checklist or monitoring format (see Box 4.).
A similar format could be used if planning extends to the regional level but in this
case the emphasis will be on the workshops and meetings that have taken place (who
was represented, what was the purpose and outcome?) and the type of follow up
actions that are required. During the implementation of the plans this format will
have to be modified to provide a monthly progress report. Progress should be
recorded in relation to the social, technical, environmental, political and
sustainability requirements identified in the STEPS tables.
Practical Action is an international development organisation working to improve people’s
access and use of technology in order to benefit their lives now and in the future. In Asia, Africa
and Latin America Practical Action works with communities to build upon their expertise and
knowledge and achieve sustainable development from poverty.
Practical Action, The Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development, Bourton on
Dunsmore Rugby CV23 9QZ, UK
E stuart.coupe@practicalaction.org.uk | W www.practicalaction.org | Reg Charity No 247257
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