The contribution of older people to society: evaluation of participatory research methodology employed in studies in Ghana and South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21504/sajg.v9i2.201Abstract
Participatory research methodology offers a powerful tool for policy-oriented research on ageing because of its emphasis on evidence-based views of older people and recognition of inequalities in older peoples access to resources and services. Research undertaken by HelpAge International and partners in Ghana and South Africa in 1998/99 adapted and employed the methodology to study livelihood strategies and contributions of older people, and to bring these findings to bear in policy debate within the two countries. The studies found that although the significant contributions of older people are largely ignored, they constitute a vital element of their livelihood strategies, since the ability to contribute can enhance their ability to access social support and increase social inclusion. While the findings have been utilised to support policy discussion, the research process has assisted in the identification of linkages that need to be strengthened for effective policy development in each country.References
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Ahenkora, A. 1999. The contributions of older people to development: the Ghana study. London and Accra: HelpAge International.
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Cancian, F.M. 1993. Conflicts between activist research and academic success: participatory research and alternative strategies. The American Sociologist, Spring 93: 92-105.
Chambers, R. 1997, Whose reality counts? Putting the first last. London: Intermediate Technology Publications.
Chambers, R. 1992. Rural appraisal: rapid, relaxed and participatory. Discussion Paper No. 311. Sussex, UK: University of Sussex, Institute of Development Studies.
Chambers, R. 1983. Rural development: putting the last first. Harlow, UK: Longmans.
Freire, P. 1970. The pedagogy of the oppressed. New York: The Seabury Press.
Government of Ghana. 1996. Vision 2020. Thefirststep: 1996-2000. Accra: National Development Planning Commission.
Kowal, P., Wolfson, L.J. & Dowd, J.E. 2000. Creating a Minimum Data Set on ageing in sub-Saharan Africa. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 9(2): 18-23.
Le Roux, P. 1995. Poverty and social policies. Some critical policy choices for South Africa. Report of the Committee of Strategy and Policy review of Retirement Pensions. Pretoria.
Mohatle, T. &de Graft Agyarko, R. 1999. The contributions of older people to development: the South Africa study. London and Johannesburg: HelpAge International. Robb, C. 1999.
Robb, C. 1999. Can the poor influence poverty? Participatory poverty assessments in the developing world, Washington, DC: World Bank.
Sagner, A. 1997. Urbanisation, ageing and migration: some evidence from African settlements in Cape Town. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 6(2): 13-19.
Wilson, A.O. & Adamchak, D.J. 1997. Linking priorities for training, research and policy on ageing in sub-Saharan Africa. Southern African Journal of Gerontology, 6(2): 41-42.
Ahenkora, A. 1999. The contributions of older people to development: the Ghana study. London and Accra: HelpAge International.
Brown K. C. 1991. Caring for the elderly in Ghana: present and future policy challenges. Ghana. A country profile, 1 (3).
Cancian, F.M. 1993. Conflicts between activist research and academic success: participatory research and alternative strategies. The American Sociologist, Spring 93: 92-105.
Chambers, R. 1997, Whose reality counts? Putting the first last. London: Intermediate Technology Publications.
Chambers, R. 1992. Rural appraisal: rapid, relaxed and participatory. Discussion Paper No. 311. Sussex, UK: University of Sussex, Institute of Development Studies.
Chambers, R. 1983. Rural development: putting the last first. Harlow, UK: Longmans.
Freire, P. 1970. The pedagogy of the oppressed. New York: The Seabury Press.
Government of Ghana. 1996. Vision 2020. Thefirststep: 1996-2000. Accra: National Development Planning Commission.
Kowal, P., Wolfson, L.J. & Dowd, J.E. 2000. Creating a Minimum Data Set on ageing in sub-Saharan Africa. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 9(2): 18-23.
Le Roux, P. 1995. Poverty and social policies. Some critical policy choices for South Africa. Report of the Committee of Strategy and Policy review of Retirement Pensions. Pretoria.
Mohatle, T. &de Graft Agyarko, R. 1999. The contributions of older people to development: the South Africa study. London and Johannesburg: HelpAge International. Robb, C. 1999.
Robb, C. 1999. Can the poor influence poverty? Participatory poverty assessments in the developing world, Washington, DC: World Bank.
Sagner, A. 1997. Urbanisation, ageing and migration: some evidence from African settlements in Cape Town. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 6(2): 13-19.
Wilson, A.O. & Adamchak, D.J. 1997. Linking priorities for training, research and policy on ageing in sub-Saharan Africa. Southern African Journal of Gerontology, 6(2): 41-42.
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2000-10-01
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