OVERVIEW OF METHOD
There are different variations of participatory systems analysis, but they are all deeply shaped by three features that emerge as common threads to all methods and approaches[1]:
In order to achieve this, the following steps are recommended:
[1] Inspired by Williams, B. and R. Hummelbrunner (2010) Systems Concepts in Action: A Practitioner's Toolkit, Stanford University Press, page 3.
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR TEAM MEMBERS
Note: This step assumes you are already part of a project team.
It is very important to blend the different experiences and perspectives of the members to produce a team that can: (i) mobilise itself and adapt quickly to unexpected challenges and opportunities; (ii) mobilise the resources of its own organisation and local partners; (iii) engage coherently with system actors. These are some ways of doing it (not necessarily in this order):
2. UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM
Some of the following steps inform and influence each other; do not follow them in a linear sequence.
[1] Adapted from the slogan “Who Does, Who Pays” proposed by the M4P Approach. See “The Operational Guide For The Making Markets Work For The Poor (M4P) Approach, page 21 https://beamexchange.org/uploads/filer_public/9e/47/9e477a7c-8865-4ae6-8424-845cdd84c961/m4pguide_full.pdf
3. IDENTIFY AND ENGAGE THE COLLABORATORS
These are the actors that will work with you to try out new ways of doing things and drive change from within the system.
Tips to identify the right actors:
4. GET THE ACTORS TO ENGAGE IN A PROCESS OF DIALOGUE TO UNDERSTAND AND TRANSFORM THEIR OWN SYSTEM
This is the heart of the participatory analysis process. This is where co-creation starts. Co-creation is the process of creating together new visions of future possibilities, and strategies and initiatives to move towards that future.
Tips to create a safe space:
5. CONDUCT THE ANALYSIS TOGETHER AND ITERATE
As the participants engage in a productive dialogue, we must document the process and help them synthesize their findings and insights, prioritize and sequence their initiatives and assess whether more rounds of participatory analysis are necessary.