Group Activities for Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: An Adaptable Model

For development to be sustainable, it must enhance people's ability to deal with an ever-changing situation. Participatory methods are the best for documenting people's ability to deal with change. Two participatory group activities were developed to monitor and evaluate farmer field trainings in pest management. The Venn Diagram is used to show changes in the sources and quantity of information used for making decisions. The Pest and Disease Matrix is used for the purpose of charting seasonal changes in the severity of pest and disease outbreak as well as changes in management practices to deal with pests. The article describes how to carry out these group activities and gives ideas on possible modifications for use in other situations. Creativity is to be encouraged. Right attitudes and behaviour are the key to the success of these methods.