This manual, which focuses on pond and rice field ecosystems, is in two parts. Part 1 provides background information for trainers of farmers on using the theory of participatory action learning (PAL), provides a PAL sessionsheet format and gives recommendations for using PAL sessions. A selection of 14 ponds and 4 rice field fish culture PAL session plans is contained in part 2. This manual includes two types of PAL sessions: those which need facilitation only once, and those which farmers can use repeatedly as a diagnostic tool.