Tools used in participatory rural appraisal methodology are:

Direct observation -- Observations are related to questions: What? When? Where? Who? Why? How? ­ Do it yourself -- Villagers are encouraged to teach the researcher how to do various activities. The researcher will learn how much skill and strength are required to do day- to-day rural activities, gaining an insider's perspective on a situation. Roles are reversed: villagers are the "experts" and attitudes are challenged. ­

Participatory mapping and modeling -- Using local materials, villagers draw or model current or historical conditions. The researcher then interviews the villager by "interviewing the map." This technique can be used to show watersheds, forests, farms, home gardens, residential areas, soils, water sources, wealth rankings, household assets, land-use patterns, changes in farming practices, constraints, trends, health and welfare conditions, and the distribution of various resources. ­

Transect walks and guided field walks -- The researcher and key informants conduct a walking tour through areas of interest to observe, to listen, to identify different zones or conditions, and to ask questions to identify problems and possible solutions. With this method, the outsider can quickly learn about topography, soils, land use, forests, watersheds, and community assets. ­

Seasonal calendars -- Variables such as rainfall, labor, income, expenditures, debt, animal fodder or pests, and harvesting periods can be drawn (or created with stones, seeds, and sticks) to show month-to-month variations and seasonal constraints and to highlight opportunities for action. An 18-month calendar can better illustrate variations