What is a fundamental goal of community participatory action research like COPAR?

The fundamental goal of community participatory action research, such as COPAR, is to enhance community research skills and capabilities. This approach emphasizes collaboration between researchers and community members, aiming to empower the community by developing its ability to conduct research and take action based on findings. By building skills within the community, COPAR promotes sustainability and self-advocacy, allowing the community to not only participate in the research process but also to apply the knowledge gained to improve their conditions.

The focus on skill enhancement ensures that the community is actively involved in the research agenda, fostering a sense of ownership over the process and outcomes. This aligns with the principles of social justice and democratization of knowledge, where the voices and experiences of community members are integral to shaping research efforts.

Engaging in participatory research also helps in fostering trust and building relationships between researchers and community members, leading to more relevant and impactful outcomes. Thus, enhancing research skills and capabilities is a cornerstone of COPAR, setting it apart from traditional research approaches, which may not prioritize community empowerment.