Participatory Video & ICT4D

What is ICT4D?

The term ‘ICT4D’ spans the full range of issues around Information and Communication Technology for Development: from radio to the internet; content to delivery; and policy to practical application on the ground. Participatory Video is rapidly becoming an indispensable part of the ICT4D tool kit and a great way to introduce communities to communication technologies. The methods are direct, easy to grasp and fun. The results are immediately apparent and can engage large local audiences of kids, adults, men and women.

How can ICT4Ds increase local pride?

Many people, when they hear the term "ICT4D", immediately think of the Internet. Whilst this is of course important, the Internet often means consuming content produced elsewhere - and competence needs more schooling than many rural populations can get. Insight believes it is essential that a community’s first contact with ICT4D should be one of active producers of content rather than passive consumers. It is essential that ICTs increase rather than undermine the value of local culture, knowledge and belief systems and help to strengthen local pride and identity. Information flow on the internet tends to be predominantly north to south. Participatory Video can encourage what is infinitely more useful, that is a south to south exchange of local innovations, ideas and experience.

The “spread effect” of Participatory Video

Initially the focus should be on the local level and on the Participatory Video process itself. Using the video assists individuals and groups to see themselves as others see them. “This self-image conveys the impression immediately that one's own knowledge is important and that it can be effectively communicated. For those who cannot read or write, these video techniques make available information that people can understand and relate to” Donald Snowdon (Participatory Video pioneer from the 1980s). The produced films can also be exchanged more widely through the physical exchange of video tapes or CD ROMs (with audio dubbing or subtitles if translation is required) or via local radio and TV networks. Video and audio files can also be uploaded onto the web enabling global communication and exchange.

Community Radio and Participatory Video

Participatory Video has a number of advantages over other more commonly used ICT4D tools such as community radio. Insight have found that the regular community screenings of unedited material shot in the village draws huge crowds of all ages and backgrounds, involving many who would usually not take part in such activities and engaging them in the important process of exchange, feedback and discussion. Through our methods, many people can be drawn into the process of filming, either in planning short films and messages or by sound recording, filming, interviewing or appearing in front of the camera. Donald Snowdon explained that “for audiences that are illiterate and uneducated Radio often is perceived as a disembodied voice giving long speeches that convey little understanding. When such people see themselves and their peers on video, saying or doing familiar things (perhaps applying innovative farming methods), the visual comprehension for the viewers is so real that in the memory of the individuals, long after the event, the medium of the video may be forgotten. People may recall that they have actually met with those they saw and listened to only on video.”

Combining different ICT4D tools

Excellent results can be achieved by combining Participatory Video with community radio projects or internet and computer technology. For example Participatory Video can interface seamlessly with radio by adapting the ideas and messages filmed by villagers into radio broadcasts. In this way, ICT4D projects can get the best of radio and internet’s ability to diffuse content widely and Participatory Video’s greater accessibility and ability to engage broader participation. We have found it to be a perfect first introduction to ICTs, less intimidating than computers and more akin to traditional forms of communication and storytelling.