establish the access needs and constraints of the poor, a combination of quantitative and qualitative survey techniques are recommended to better the understanding of access needs. Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques (PRAs) are a range of survey methods to be used principally in the extraction of qualitative data. PRA entails groups of local people analysing their own conditions and choosing their own means of improving them. They may use a variety of tools, such as maps and diagrams, and the support of a trained facilitator. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) is a similar technique developed for analysing the needs of rural communities quickly, cost effectively and with little disruption to everyday life. RRA evolved in the 1980s and emphasised multi-disciplinary teams, careful observation, semi-structured interviewing and focus groups. PRA, which began in the late 1980s offers methods which involve groups rather than individuals, and visual representations rather than solely verbal communication. PRA has been described as 'a growing family of approaches and methods to enable local people to share, enhance and analyse their knowledge of life and conditions to plan and to act.'