Qualitative Enquiry for Rural Development: A Review

This book is written for individuals engaged in formulating and implementing policies, plans, programmes and projects affecting rural areas of poor countries. Recognition of the contribution that qualitative enquiry can make has increased significantly, but a succinct and non-technical introduction to when and why qualitative techniques of enquiry should be favoured has been lacking; and this what this book sets out to provide. The primary concern is how the art of collecting data necessary to inform rural development practice can be improved, taking into account existing organizational and resource constraints. The text defines 'qualitative' in this context; surveys the types of information that practitioners of rural developing communities need to assemble; describes the main general techniques in use; recommends areas of potential improvements; and looks to the future of qualitative enquiry in the light of present trends and likely information needs.

Jon Moris is Professor of Anthropology- Cultural at Utah State University. He recieved his Ph.D. in anthropology from Northwestern in 1970, based on studies of farm innovation in central Kenya. Since 1980, his research has focused on irrigation, extension and the fate of Africa's pastoralists during recent droughts.

James Copestake lectures in economics and international development at the University of Bath, UK. He has previously published research on the impact of microfinance in India, Southern Africa and Latin America.