Paper short abstract:

This paper highlights the benefits and drawbacks of using participatory photography in a research setting. The paper builds on data acquired between 2016 and 2018 using the Photovoice method with the Namibian Khwe San people in topics related to well-being, traditional knowledge, and food security.

Paper long abstract:

Participatory photography has been used in a variety of research settings to gain insights into local social dynamics, assess available resources on the ground, and evaluate project outcomes, among others. Photovoice is one of the several participatory visual methods where participants identify, capture and reflect on specific topics within their own community through photography, with a specific aim to trigger long-lasting positive social change.

Between 2016 and 2018 multiple Photovoice sessions with Namibian Khwe San hunter-gatherers (n=41) were carried out on topics related to well-being, traditional knowledge, and food and nutrition. Each session followed an adjusted version of a training manual (photovoice.org), organized within a duration of 7 to 10 days. Participation was voluntary. Purposive sampling stratified by gender and age has been used to invite participants. The method yielded a total of 657 photographs and their related narratives.

The photographers reported a sense of enjoyment and empowerment throughout the Photovoice sessions. They took visually well-composed, high-quality photos and shared the stories behind them in great detail. The method contributed to increase trust and balance power relations between the researcher and the community members, and to showcase and strengthen cultural identity. Apart from a valuable set of research data, the method resulted several poster presentations of local traditional knowledge by the participants, and a written report related to food insecurity, which was handed over to local policy-makers.