The author presents an account of participatory research and argues for its relevance and development in Europe. He includes two illustrations showing that the knowledge that people themselves produce opposes abstract theories about them. The author concludes that the two main types of participatory research are those of professional intervention…

The new model of community development focuses on the following: participatory methodologies of research; practical and generalist skills; local-driven revenues in small business and nongovernmental organizations; rethinking all products, processes, and services; international small business trade networks; and the integration of leisure and work.…

Argues that community development is an appropriate arena for using participatory research techniques, since community development depends strongly on citizen involvement. Features a case study of use of the participatory research technique in a project aimed at attacking rural poverty in Nigeria. (CH)

Community auditing is an empowering process enabling communities to participate in research, identify its focus, and have ownership. Comparison with other methods shows how auditing supports real participation, not mere consultation. (SK)