PEER is an innovative approach to participatory research and evaluation. It is a rapid and effective way of gaining an in-depth understanding of the social world of specific communities and groups. PEER is carried out by ordinary community members who conduct detailed interviews with others in their social network. PEER enables programmes to access the insider view of social relationships and behaviour within the specific social context.

PEER creates an entry point for agencies and programmes to engage in a process of dialogue with communities. The PEER approach promotes the voice of marginalised and disadvantaged groups.

PEER harnesses the expertise of communities, by supporting participants to design interviews and collect and analyse data. The process ensures that outputs are both locally owned and programmatically relevant.

PEER has been used in a range of different sectors and cultural contexts, and has been adapted for a number of specific applications.

Design, monitoring and evaluation
Social marketing and communications
Voice and accountability

The PEER unit is a collaboration between Options and the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), University of Wales Swansea. The Unit specialises in providing capacity building and technical assistance in the use of the method. Details of selected current and past projects can be found under case studies.