Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Participatory action research can be effective in resolving community-based conflicts and in fostering new and constructive ways of creating harmony in a community. Such communities, however, often reside in states that have created external and internal conflicts. Such conflict creates a dissonance between local and national goals and practices. This paper describes several African case studies in which participatory action was used to solve problems. It further examines the broader context in which the community resides. The paper argues that such local efforts are not only necessary but that they have the potential of spreading to other local communities, of transforming attitudes of helplessness or anger into those more beneficial to the society.