Participatory video can be used as a tool to capture community perspectives on issues like rainwater management. It is a process that empowers communities and catalyzes action and change. Local community members are trained to use video cameras and produce films that convey local issues, knowledge, and viewpoints. These films then facilitate discussion within the community and help communicate grassroots perspectives to researchers and decision makers. While participatory video has potential benefits, there are also challenges to consider such as managing expectations, ensuring the sustainability of efforts over the long term, and avoiding the process being hijacked by more powerful actors.

1. Participatory Video as a means of capturing community perspectives on rainwater management Beth Cullen (ILRI), Alan Duncan (ILRI) & Katherine Snyder (IWMI) (Derived from PhD work by Beth Cullen) Third International Forum on Water and Food, Johannesburg, 14-17 November 2011

2. What is Participatory Video (PV)? Communication tool regardless of formal literacy levels. Process : empower communities and act as a catalyst for action & change. Product : c ommunity driven film that conveys issues, knowledge & perspectives

5. Participants are introduced to video camera They acquire basics through active learning Learning is equal: students become teachers Confidence gained through new skills Games encourage dialogue & sharing Additional equipment is introduced Key issues are identified using PRA Storyboards develop narratives Process aims to be fun & engaging

6. Different community views captured Participants watch & reflect on films Enables access to inaccessible areas Participation extended to editing Ensures control over the final product Films screened to wider community Feedback is gathered from range of community members Screenings are documented to show communities their voice is heard Films shown to audiences including researchers & decision makers

7. Collaborative rather than extractive Addresses research fatigue Influence decision makers Community analysis Represents Indigenous Knowledge Skills development and empowerment Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing Catalyst for action & change

10. Questions & Discussion How do you think PV could be applied in your own projects? What are the potential difficulties in using PV? How could PV be used to support innovation processes?