 | Ethnographic research methods to better understand household water practices |
| Expanded Title: | This study aimed to test the viability of an ethnographic participative technique, i.e. the use of digital media in the form of a video camera, to do research about water related issues in rural communities. In addition its intention was to inform communication and education campaigns aimed at effective water management. Due to the nature of exploratory research, it was predicted that other unexpected outcomes could present themselves. The study responded to the call in developmental discourse that indigenous household water practices and innovations should be taken into consideration in development interventions and solutions for rural water problems. This study has clearly shown that the ethno visual tool can be used in a participatory non-interventionist manner in rural communities. The study was innovative in that it was non-interventionist, allowing rural people the opportunity to examine their problems through their own eyes and using their own perspective. The use of different perspectives, both from insiders and outsiders to the community, broadened the scope of the study. Apart from the film footage, other material collected was graphically and visually provided to the elders in the community, allowing for debate on a level previously unknown to them. |
| Date Published: | 01/05/2012 |
| Document Type: | Research Report |
| Document Subjects: | Drinking water - Water supply, Sanitation - Waterborne sanitation |
| Document Format: | Report |
| Document File Type: | pdf |
| Research Report Type: | Standard |
| WRC Report No: | 1990/1/12 |
| ISBN No: | 978-1-4312-0266-9 |
| Authors: | van den Berg I; Slabbert E |
| Project No: | K5/1990 |
| Originator: | WRC |
| Document Size: | 4 737 KB |
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