The PBRM (perception-based regional mapping): A spatial method to support regional development initiatives

Mehdi Saqalli (1) , Patrick Caron (2) , Pierre Defourny (3) , Ali Issaka (4)

1 GEODE - Géographie de l'environnement
2 UPR Génétique forestière - Diversité génétique et amélioration des espèces forestières
3 UCL - Université Catholique de Louvain = Catholic University of Louvain
4 Save the Children Niger

This paper examines the relevance of a perception-based regional level mapping tool in rural Niger. Two regions in Niger are examined. Results permit to assume that such a tool helped to fill several gaps: (i) a scale gap between local and nation wide studies; (ii) a scientific gap between biophysical and socio-anthropological sciences; and (iii) a methodological gap of integration between data sources. Moreover, this method is fast, cheap and action-oriented. Data are easily understandable and usable both by rural communities and development agencies. It provides information about human dynamics at a regional level, which cannot be achieved by other methods

Mots clés: Mental geography; Niger; Development strategies; Local perceptions; Regional mapping

Domaines: Géographie

Mehdi Saqalli, Patrick Caron, Pierre Defourny, Ali Issaka. The PBRM (perception-based regional mapping): A spatial method to support regional development initiatives. Applied Geography, 2009, 29, pp.358-370. ⟨halshs-00919296⟩