A pictorial approach to geodesign: A case study for the Lower Zambezi valley

Abstract

This article shows how experiences with geodesign in data rich environments such as the Netherlands and the UK can be used to support interactive workshops in the data scarce Lower Zambezi valley, Mozambique. A pictorial geodesign tool was developed that relied on a combination of drawing, use of icons and visualization. The tool required no calculations. The tool was used to support stakeholder workshops as part of an ongoing planning process in the lower Zambezi. Objectives of these workshops were to identify matching and conflicting sectoral claims and to prioritize these claims. The workshops produced maps for each region representing the groups’ assessment of the sectoral claims in combination with a written report of all comments made. Despite the simple design, the tool served its purpose well. It was interesting to observe that it was possible to use the principles of more sophisticated tools in an approach that was simpler but much more graphical as a means of promoting discussion and understanding.