Action research in agricultural development projects: Case study of a dairy project in Ethiopia

Abstract For development projects, an action research approach is often encouraged to enhance participation of end-users or beneficiaries at various stages of the project to realize the desired social transformation in the target communities. The project under consideration in this study adopted action research for some of its activities. A review of the project action research activities was conducted as part of the strategic reflection for lesson learning and to inform modification where necessary. The objectives of this study were to assess the relevance of action research approach to implementation of project activities and to draw lessons for agricultural development projects applying participatory approaches. Fifty-one participants involved in the project action research activities were interviewed on their understanding of action research, its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and level of participation in action research activities. The general impression of the participants interviewed regarding action research approach was that it is relevant and important for the project, and that it has provided a good platform for learning by all participants. Some key lessons from this study for development projects when applying action research approach include the need to focus on a few key issues or activities that can produce social transformation in the target communities, necessity of adequate planning for monitoring and documentation of learning by participants, and that caution should be exercised that action research does not become a “fashion”, particularly in development projects, whereby it is used unreflectively.