http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
the Practicalities of Assessing Nutrition and Health Status in Rural India
This case study is based on a participatory rural appraisal of two mountain villages in the state of Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand), India. The study was funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations with a view to testing a toolbox of participatory exercises developed to assess the nutrition and health status of village populations. The ultimate objective was to provide inputs into the formulation and implementation of national plans of action for nutrition. I was the lead researcher on a team of four researchers who visited the villages and interacted with the villagers and village, block and district officials to obtain a comprehensive view of the situation. Apart from focus group discussions, the team conducted personal interviews with the heads of 20 households in each village. Although the suggested toolset was used to collect information, and a few additional tools were introduced, the main learning from the study was the importance of observation in gaining new insights and opening up new avenues for solutions. This case study does not focus on the tools used, although samples are presented for illustrative purposes. Instead, it provides a glimpse of the kind of information which can be collected through their use. Links to manuals which describe the tools are also provided. The study details the actual process of conducting a participatory appraisal, particularly in the context of rural India. Situations encountered in the villages and the learning gained from them are illustrated to further underline the importance of being observant and not merely adhering to guidelines and formal toolsets.