Description: This informative text assesses the use of participatory methods as a research tool in the contexts of development and reconstruction after conflict and disasters by identifying cross-cutting themes and establishing a comparative lessons-learned framework. Rather than adopting a prescriptive perspective, the book provides a critical analysis of such methodologies.
Review Quotes: '...an extremely useful addition to the literature on research methodology, and provides excellent guidance for PhD students, academic researchers and policy makers who are interested in community-level research. The range of cases - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe - means that the work is comprehensive and will be a "must read" for those about to embark on fieldwork.' Roger Mac Ginty, University of St Andrews, UK 'This book is to be commended for providing the first comprehensive, critical review of methods in this complex field. It covers a wide variety of environments, situations and techniques. The result is not only a compendium of valuable research experience but also an authoritative guide to a broad range of participatory methods.' David Alexander, University of Florence, Italy 'Unlike other volumes of collected essays Ã-zerdem and Bowd's collection provides both depth and conjunctive elements... each article raises universal questions and issues that need to be considered in planning and carrying out research projects. Another quality that makes this volume worth reading is that it specifically raises awareness of the challenges that are involved in obtaining conflict-sensitive data. This is a thought provoking volume that addresses both, problems of research methods, as well as ethical issues, and is recommendable for researchers using participatory methods in development, post-disaster and post-conflict environments. Overall, this volume promises to be a very valuable resource for participatory-oriented researchers from various academic disciplines.' Journal of International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict