Films made by nomads and farmers in the Himalayas  were used to inspire researchers and policy makers at a workshop in Scotland.  See Video
 

Shepherds in Central Asia communicated their perspectives and ideas through their own videos, as part of an EU Research project in Central Asia.

 

Villagers & nomads living in the Himalayan mountain belt, speak about natural resource management issues. Read the Case study!

 


Desertification & Regeneration in Central Asia.
Read the Case study!

Participatory Research

Fundamental Questions for Participatory  Research

Participatory Research and Action Research projects rarely go far enough. Whilst the aim is to move beyond traditional roles of researcher and researched many still find it difficult to really bridge this gap. It takes a long time to develop genuine local trust and ownership over the Participatory Research process and it is often difficult to engage marginalised sections of the population.

The Communication Let-Down

Many Participatory Research practitioners feel frustrated by their inability to accurately communicate the energy and vitality generated during project work. Reports and documents, as dry as the paper they are written on, do little justice to the dynamic process on the ground. Too often, the participatory research project initiators end up speaking on behalf of the populations concerned, using media that is often unintelligible to them. The boundary between researcher and researched is once again reinforced.

 

How Can We Improve Participatory Research?

 

In order to address these fundamental challenges for Participatory Research, we must ask ourselves the following questions:

1.      How can Participatory Research reach out more effectively and encourage greater participation at all levels?

2.      How can the experience and knowledge gained by the participants be documented and shared in a way which maintains participant control and is meaningful to a variety of different target groups?

 

Insight’s Participatory Video methodology has evolved in response to these important questions.

 

Participatory Research & The Participatory Video Revolution

 

Insight’s Participatory Video techniques give a new dimension to existing Participatory Research approaches. Video placed in the hands of the concerned population acts as a catalyst and a mirror, initiating a process of community–led analysis, reflection and change. Regular community screening of material opens up an exchange of ideas and opinions within the community and encourages more people to get involved. The video work fosters an open and trusting relation between facilitators and participants and gives a clear signal that they are in control and that their ideas and opinions matter.

 

Accessible to all participants, irrespective of literacy or background, Participatory Video is a tool that has the power to mobilize a community whilst simultaneously documenting the dynamic process of community research, analysis and change. The Participatory Videos themselves provide a channel through which local knowledge and experience can be shared with other communities, as well as with scientists, decision makers and policy on a local, national and global level.



 
“You are here. Thank you for coming, thank you for hearing us.”
 

Headman of Rupshu Nomads, Ladakh 

 
 
 
“The pastures are turning to sand, there is flooding in China, is this really due to what the nomads are doing to the land? Is this possible?”
 
Muqu nomad, Qinghai, China
  

"Many researchers  are looking for more fulfilling and effective ways to carry out their work. Participatory Action Research goes some of the way towards this but it is lacking a fundamental element; Participatory Video."

Chris Lunch (Insight)

 
 
 

PRA methods are given a new dimension when combined with Participatory Video games and exercises.