Enhancing Rural Transformation Through Application of Participatory Action Research

Abstract

African Rural University (ARU) offers a Bachelor of Rural Development (BRD) program within the Faculty of Technology for Rural Transformation. It delivers a highly contextualized curriculum with 60% theory and 40% practices. Internship is one of the 40% that enables students practice what they have learnt. These were the objectives of the Internship; ARU Intern has capacity to contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of systems and structures in service delivery of Kanyabeebe Sub-County, ARU Intern as Potential Epicenter Managers demonstrate an understanding of the role of Epicenter Strategy in the implementation of the parish development model and realization of Uganda Vision 2040, ARU Intern has the capacity to conduct Community Action Planning (CAP) as a Democratic Bottom-Up process to cause Rural Transformation, ARU Intern has the capacity to conduct PAR and develop plans to create change in the community. The Intern applied the following methods; visionary approach, transect walks, photo voice and resource mapping. Activities engaged in by the Intern include; PDM, CD, Community and resource mobilization, consciousness raising. Skills gained by the Intern were; crop management practices, Coordination, monitoring and evaluation skills of government projects like PDM. However, the following challenges were faced; Low turn up of some community members hindered participation in some activities and expectations of allowances by some community members. The following are recommendations; The community members should ensure maximum participation in development activities, the university should ensure that they orient the politicians and Local government leaders