A simple reminder document of 16 tools and techniques that can be used in Participatory Appraisal exercises (using flipchart paper, pens, and post-it notes).

Participatory Appraisal is a widely-used method for consultation, and combines three inter-related activities - research, education and collective action. The research is done by local people and there is collective action as they collect and contribute information. Collective action follows on naturally as people think through problems and solutions and then act on them.

Local people are seen and valued as experts on the local area and they participate in the research process; they are not researched. The value of using this methodology is that activity providers and users can participate in the process as experts on the facilities and activities as they are now. By using the visual and flexible PA tools, needs can be assessed, concerns can be raised and all can be included in the process.