Revolutions in Development Inquiry

Robert Chambers presents Revolutions in Development Inquiry, a timely examination of the transformative shifts in methodologies and methods of development research that have emerged over the past forty years. With keen insight and a critical perspective, Chambers revisits traditional approaches - ranging from large-scale multi-subject questionnaires to conventional rural development visits - before charting the explosive growth of innovative techniques that have redefined the field. The book highlights the rapid evolution of participatory approaches such as rapid rural appraisal (RRA), participatory rural appraisal (PRA), and advancements in participatory statistics and mapping techniques including GIS. Chambers demonstrates how these methods empower local communities and offer robust, alternative means to gather data, effectively countering the prevailing biases of traditional urban-centric models. Revolutions in Development Inquiry is an essential read for anyone committed to understanding and engaging with the dynamic landscape of development research and its promising future.