PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH AS AN INTEGRATING FACTOR IN RESEARCH PROJECTS-THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS OF THE INHABITANTS OF MANGLARALTO COASTAL AQUIFER IN ECUADOR

Participatory-Action-Research (PAR) is an option of the qualitative paradigm that stands out as a relevant methodology in research projects. PAR seeks to unveil the interaction of the different actors in a unique context. For instance, in this study, PAR contributed to analyze the interaction between community and the technicians of the research project. Hence, it focused on the synergy and integration of knowledge, experiences and culture of this particular setting.

The aim of this research study is to explain the management of Manglaralto coastal aquifer using PAR methodology for the sustainability of water supply in the rural parish.

Therefore, the methodology stages were:
i) general information of the Manglaralto coastal aquifer project and the situation in the context of Santa Elena province in Ecuador,
ii) the development of the PAR methodology and the strategies for the community involvement and contribution,
iii) results and their impact on the project. PAR methodology became a dynamic element and a niche of solutions to the difficulties in Manglaralto parish.

The technical aspect of the project would not have obtained relevant results without the social interaction of the inhabitants, dialogue and consensus, essential components PAR methodology. Hence, workshops, seminars, round tables, meetings and community work were the key elements to foster this dynamic educational process. Furthermore, PAR became a driving force that articulated and integrated the outputs of the project. In fact, the research project is successful as mentioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) because, among the most remarkable results, it provided water to the rural community and rescued the ancestral knowledge.