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The development of the theory and practice of participatory research has been a collective process. It has benefited from the creative and thoughtful work of hundreds of people in about 60 countries. It has been and will remain an international debate and discussion among persons concerned with the issues of research, adult education, popular knowledge and power. The discussion has been characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and by a certain degree of excitement among those who have been involved. The people who have contributed to the present state of affairs have included literacy teachers, community organizers, administrators, social scientists from all the traditional disciplines, artists, singers, factory workers, organizational analysists and urban activists.

This process has been possible through the support and stimulation of a loose and voluntary network of individuals who, since 1977, have …