Why Use A Participatory Research Approach


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		A Participatory Approach to Research \| Why use a Participatory Approach to Research \| Examples Why conduct Participatory Research? Participatory Research helps: to ensure meaningful research is produced to build the community capacity necessary to influence policy to ensure meaningful and sustainable outcomes are achieved to reduce unjustified assumptions or stereotypes Explanation: Participatory research is designed to address issues raised by the those most affected and the results are then applied to the identified problems. Participatory research is by the community members for the community.
		Researchers and community members need strong evidence to monitor and advocate for food security. Many times, people hold unjustified assumptions about the people and families who experience food insecurity.		For example, by using methods such as train-the-trainer new skills are learned, individuals become empowered and in many cases, sustainable and meaningful outcomes can be achieved.

		Think about it... What assumptions do you make about people who live in food insecure households? Do you think they are justified?	These assumptions can be harmful if they are used to guide policy decisions. With the help of those who are living in food insecure households we are able to document and depict what it is truly like to live without the means to obtain the food needed for health. Government policy makers can use this relevant data to help develop evidence-based decision-making.


Updated April 2009	The information on this website has been developed by and is at the discretion of Dr. Patty Williams. The information on this site is not published by Mount Saint Vincent University and therefore Mount Saint Vincent University cannot accept responsibility or liability for any persons who suffer loss, injury or damage from its use. Anyone using the information on this site does so at his or her own risk.