How can you incorporate community-based research into participatory planning?

1 Step 1: Identify the problem and the stakeholders

The first step in any participatory planning process is to define the problem that needs to be solved and the stakeholders that are affected by or interested in it. This step can be done through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, or mapping exercises. The goal is to understand the nature, causes, and consequences of the problem, as well as the goals, expectations, and interests of the stakeholders. This step can also help to identify potential partners for CBR, such as community organizations, local leaders, or academic institutions.

2 Step 2: Design the research question and the methodology

The second step is to formulate the research question and the methodology that will guide the CBR process. The research question should be relevant, specific, and feasible, and it should address a gap or a need in the existing knowledge about the problem. The methodology should be appropriate, ethical, and participatory, and it should involve the stakeholders in all stages of the research, from planning to dissemination. The methodology can include various methods, such as literature review, observation, surveys, interviews, focus groups, experiments, or case studies.

4 Step 4: Communicate and disseminate the findings

The fourth step is to communicate and disseminate the findings of the CBR process to the stakeholders and the wider public. The communication and dissemination should be done in a clear, accessible, and engaging way, and it should use various formats and channels, such as reports, presentations, posters, videos, podcasts, or social media. The communication and dissemination should also be done in a participatory way, and it should involve the stakeholders in co-creating and co-delivering the messages. The communication and dissemination should aim to raise awareness, share knowledge, and stimulate dialogue about the problem and the solutions.

5 Step 5: Implement and evaluate the solutions

The fifth step is to implement and evaluate the solutions that emerge from the participatory planning process and are informed by the CBR findings. The implementation and evaluation should be done in a collaborative, adaptive, and iterative way, and it should involve the stakeholders in co-designing and co-delivering the solutions. The implementation and evaluation should also be done in a systematic, transparent, and accountable way, and it should use various tools and indicators, such as action plans, budgets, timelines, or feedback mechanisms. The implementation and evaluation should aim to achieve the desired outcomes, measure the impacts, and identify the challenges and the lessons learned.

6 Step 6: Reflect and learn from the experience

The sixth and final step is to reflect and learn from the experience of incorporating CBR into participatory planning. The reflection and learning should be done in a critical, constructive, and creative way, and it should involve the stakeholders in co-assessing and co-improving the process. The reflection and learning should also be done in a continuous, dynamic, and responsive way, and it should use various methods, such as debriefing, feedback, or storytelling. The reflection and learning should aim to enhance the knowledge, skills, and relationships of the participants, as well as to inform the future participatory planning and CBR processes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?