Methods for Development Work and Research: A New Guide for Practitioners

Britha Mikkelsen, 2005, Second Edition, ISBN 076193328X, Sage, New Delhi. From the outset, Britha Mikkelsen is careful to identify the limitations of this rather detailed and extensive book (345 pages). We are appropriately cautioned that it does not try to do everything: it is a ‘guide’ ‘to a variety of field study methods from which the reader may combine her/his own mixture to suit the problem, time and resources available’ (p. 23); ‘it is not a cookbook for the study of all development issues’ (p. 28) and it can be read selectively; and ‘it does not replace more elaborate texts, but will serve as a supplement to the basic methodology texts of sociology, anthropology…’ (p. 46). Despite these protestations, it is a very comprehensive guide and it reflects Mikkelsen's considerable experience and involvement in Development Cooperation. A wide range of topics are discussed, e.g. a ‘catalogue’ of Participatory Rural Appraisal...