What�is�Participatory�Video?Participatory Video (PV) involves teaching community members how to use video so they can represent issues that are important to them,regardless of literacy levels. The passing of the camera to community members can yield positive dividends through development of acommunity driven product � the finished film. However, the process itself can also empower communities and act as a catalyst for change atlocal level. PV has been used in a range of contexts to give voice to local communities.

They�acquire�basics�through�active�learning Learning�is�equal:�students�become�teachers Confidence�is�gained�through�new�skillsParticipants�are�introduced�to�the�video�camera

Participants�learn�to�use�additional�equipment Key�issues�are�identified�using�PRA�techniques� Narratives�are�developed�using�storyboards� The�process�aims�to�be�fun�&�engaging

Different�community�views�are�captured Participants�watch�&�reflect�on�their�films Enables�access�to�inaccessible�areas Participation�can�be�extended�to�editing�

Participatory�Video:

Films�are�screened�to�the�wider�community�and��feedback�is�gathered

Additional�information�can�be�incorporated�from�a�range�of�community�members

External�screenings�are�documented�to�show�communities�that�their�voice�is�heard

Films�can�be�shown�to�outside�audiences�including�researchers�&�decision�makers

� Can�be�used�as�a�tool�for�participatory�research�and�development:�it�is�collaborative�rather�than�extractive�and�encourages�two�way�exploration

� Enables�communities�to�represent�themselves�from�their�point�of�view,�including�indigenous�knowledge�which�is�often�difficult to�capture�using�text

� Empowers participants�to�release�hidden�potential�and�resources

� Contributes�to�skills�development�and�capacity�building�so�can�be�a�way�of�giving�something�back�to�communities�suffering�from research�fatigue

� Bridges�gaps�between�people�from�different�backgrounds�and�perspectives

� Facilitates�horizontal�and�vertical�communication:�with�those�in�power�who�are�hard�to�reach�as�well�as�peers

� Enables�community�level�analysis�which�can�act�as�a�catalyst�for�action�and�change�

� The�process�is�as�important�as�the�product!

Beth�Cullen(Photos:�Beth�Cullen)

Prepared�for�the�International�Forum�on�Water�and�Food,�South�Africa,�14�17�November�2011