Participatory Approach Research Articles

Parcipatory action research for dengue control in Samarinda, Indonesia

Dengue control with community empowerment is the 1 house 1 larva monitor officer/Gerakan 1 Rumah 1 Jumantik (G1R1J). G1R1J is a national movement of community empowerment at the household level in an effort to reduce dengue This research aims to implement G1R1J through participatory action research. This research was conducted in Samarinda City, East Kalimantan, Indonesia with a participatory action research approach. The activities carried out were workshops, socialization, focus group discussions, and mentoring. The research evaluation was in the form of entomological surveys, namely before and after the activity. The important points of this research are that in the community independently Gerakan Emak-Emak Pembasmi Jentik Trisari (GEMATRI) has been formed, and the involvement of the village in the form of socialization and training, murals initiated by cadres, and training initiated by the village. At the policy level there is a decree of delegation of authority and budget for activities including dengue from the health office to the sub-district, but the public health center (Puskesmas) plays a role in providing assistance and counseling in the community. The larva-free index also increased from 50.67 to 66.43. We believe that the participation of the community, health cadres, and policy makers is very important to reduce the incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in the future.

Cultural landscape transformations in the "Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene" UNESCO World Heritage Site in the context of terrain morphology

The "Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene" has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2019 under the category “cultural landscapes”. The study analysed land use and landscape changes in the last six decades through spatial analyses and landscape metrics, identifying main changes and comparing similarities and differences between the Core and the Buffer Zone. The main aims were to identify the main drivers that contributed to the preservation of the traditional cultural landscape and to provide data and indications for landscape planning and conservation, with particular attention to the opportunities/threats due to the expected increase of tourism resulting from the recent UNESCO recognition. The study was conducted in the framework of the UNESCO site Management Plan.Results demonstrated that the Core Zone traditional landscape has a higher level of integrity compared to the Buffer Zone, due to the different terrain morphology that represents the main driver. The rough morphology of the Core Zone contributed to the preservation of traditional vineyards interspersed with small woods, linear tree formations and forest patches, as it was not possible to introduce mechanisation in viticulture due to steep slopes that oblige farmers to cultivate vines on ciglioni (earth terraces). Core Zone's main change was due to forestation (21% of the surface) on steeper slopes and higher altitudes, caused by the abandonment of pastures that occurred in the last decades. The main transformations in the Buffer Zone were agricultural intensification (29% of the surface) due to the replacement of traditional mixed crops, meadows, and arable land with modern and mechanised vineyards, and urban sprawl (average rate of 10 ha/year). The study highlighted that despite land use changes the Buffer Zone still contributes to the conservation of the overall UNESCO site landscape quality. Buffer Zone can also have a potential key-role in mitigating the increasing tourist flows, but additional urban sprawl or the spread of other modern vineyards should be avoided. The main long-term objective should be the preservation of the cultural landscape and the peaceful coexistence of farmers, local population and tourists, with mutual benefits, by applying a participatory approach.

Introduction: Perceptions, Reflections, and Conceptualisations of War and Peace in Children’s Drawings

In this editorial, we introduce the focus of this thematic issue and its contributions. Addressing the themes of “war” and “peace” and their impacts on children requires contextualization within socio‐historical, socio‐cultural, socio‐psychological, and educational frameworks. Equally, it is essential to tackle the methodological challenges inherent in this field of empirical research. The rise of child‐centred and participatory approaches over recent decades—emphasizing children as active agents—has enriched the research landscape, offering a counterbalance to the quantitative and developmental psychological traditions. Yet, as the contributions demonstrate, there is no methodological “gold standard” for this field. Rather, the topic’s complexity calls for a diverse array of approaches and perspectives, including those that push beyond conventional academic frameworks and methods.

Critical Review of Policy Pillars of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, (D.A.W.N.)

The study reiterates the need to differentiate a policy document by verifying the issues it is concerned with. Specifically, it underscores the critical need to pay attention to the real issues of development in a development -centered policy document, and ascertaining if the policy document facilitates the planning and implementation of development programs that meet the needs of the people. To justify this assertion, the paper conducts a critical review of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, with a view to knowing the substantive information and material in the policy in relation to the policy document in terms of the nine pillars of the document. Among other factors, It sought to know how the concept of Development is constructed in the document in terms of related theory as well as whether it was motivated by a traditional paradigm of technocratic, money driven, top -down approach to development, or by a commitment to the participatory approach. The study observes that the drafters of the document understand and place a high premium on the central role of policy content especially in the sustainable development document. However, it was observed that no visible attempt was made to enshrine clauses and other salient provisions to enforce continuity, accountability, transparency and probity in the document.

Doing research with international students: methodological considerations for participatory research designs

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the lack of methodological guidance in research with international students by proposing more inclusive, ethical, and participatory approaches. It emphasises the importance of designing research methods that highlight international students’ own practices, knowledge, and capabilities. By fostering relational, conversational, and engaged practices, the proposed approaches promote participatory mutuality, where researchers and participants co-construct knowledge. The aim is to develop methodological frameworks that challenge essentialist perspectives, critique inequities and power dynamics, and counter deficit views in research on international students, offering valuable insights for researchers invested in their experiences and perspectives.

Building Entrepreneurial Capacity: The Role of Publicly Funded Training Programs in Empowering MSMEs in Dharmasraya, Indonesia

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to the Indonesian economy, especially in rural areas like Dharmasraya. This community service project aimed to empower MSMEs by building their entrepreneurial capacity through publicly funded training programs. Using a participatory action research approach, a needs assessment was conducted with 100 MSME owners in Dharmasraya to identify challenges and training needs. Based on the findings, workshops and mentoring sessions were designed and delivered, focusing on financial literacy, marketing strategies, digital literacy, and business plan development. The training program significantly improved participants' understanding of key business concepts, including financial management, marketing, and digital tools. Participants also showed increased confidence in managing and growing their businesses. The program fostered a sense of community and peer learning among MSME owners. In conclusion, publicly funded training programs are crucial for building entrepreneurial capacity and empowering MSMEs in Dharmasraya. This initiative highlights the effectiveness of participatory approaches in addressing community needs and fostering sustainable economic development.

Exploring what works well and less well in a community-based drop-in hub providing health and wellbeing services for people experiencing homelessness: a participatory action evaluation of service coordination

Abstract Background People experiencing homelessness often face obstacles accessing health and social care support. Challenges are further exacerbated when support provision for multiple unmet needs are not integrated or coordinated. To overcome these challenges, there has been growing attention on integrating and co-locating health and wellbeing services for people experiencing homelessness. In an urban area of North East England, a long-standing Hub or ‘drop-in centre’ offers a range of health and wellbeing support by bringing together the different health and care system agencies in one space. However, little is known about the perspectives of providers on what works well and less well in how the different services are coordinated. Methods Using a participatory action research approach, a qualitative service evaluation was undertaken between June and September 2023. Fourteen interviews were conducted with providers who work in a paid or voluntary capacity operating some of their service offerings or support in the Hub. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three themes were evident from the evaluation: 1) location and space matter, 2) co-location and relationships make a difference, and 3) service consistency and flexibility are paramount. Conclusion Co-locating support to cover the breadth of health and care needs has the potential to increase engagement and access for people experiencing homelessness, and to enhance trust with service users and between agencies. This model provides a unique example of co-location and integration of support, particularly with it being operated by a community housing organisation.

A scoping review of communal rangelands management in southern Africa: towards sustainable management of rangelands

This paper investigates the impacts of policy and governance institutions on rangeland management practices in southern Africa. A scoping review was conducted, using literature from Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Africa-wide bibliographic databases in the past three decades. The results revealed that several initiatives have been implemented in southern Africa to improve the condition of rangelands, including livestock destocking policies, grazing schemes, improved forage grasses, veld legume reinforcement, high-market beef value chains and agroforestry technology. However, the success of these initiatives has been limited due to a lack of meaningful participation in rangeland management. Moreover, the absence of responsive policies to support communal rangeland management in southern Africa has led to their transformation into unsustainable systems. Additionally, commercial interests often drive national-level policies and tend to disempower traditional institutions, causing conflicts and discord in rangeland management. Therefore, unrolling participatory bottom-up approaches will be essential for inclusive and sustainable rangeland management.

Toward a data-informed framework for the assessment of digital readiness of higher education institutions

AbstractThis paper aims to address Digital Readiness in Higher Education Institutions from the perspective of data-informed and evidence-based assessment of Digital Readiness. Related research suggests that existing instruments for assessing digitalization aspects are limited to self-assessment, and there is a need for data-informed frameworks that will allow automated assessments based on data that Higher Education Institutions already collect. To bridge this gap, we propose a conceptual, data-informed framework for assessing Digital Readiness in Higher Education Institutions. We followed a participatory approach informed by related theory and practice to design, together with stakeholders from three academic institutions in three European countries, a Digital Readiness assessment framework on seven dimensions accompanied by 72 data-informed indicators. Digitalization of Higher Education is a priority in political agendas, and educational institutions have acknowledged it as an opportunity to promote digitalization of teaching and learning, organizational structures, and technical services, enabling innovation and internationalization. We envision that this work contributes towards supporting educational institutions in self-reflecting upon their digitalization policies and practices.

PENDAMPINGAN KELOMPOK TANI HUTAN DAN PENGELOLAAN HUTAN DESA SECARA PARTISIPATIF DI DESA MASIHULAN KECAMATAN SERAM UTARA

The community engagement program with forest farmer groups and forest managers in Masihulan Village aimed to enhance the community's capacity to sustainably manage forest resources and strengthen the local economy through the diversification of non-timber forest products. A participatory approach was employed in this assistance process, actively involving the community in every stage of the program. The results show a significant improvement in the farmer groups' understanding of agroforestry practices and sustainable forest management. Additionally, the institutional strengthening of the forest farmer groups positively impacted their ability to access government assistance programs and financial institutions.

Yoga-Based Group Intervention for Inpatients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders-Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Outcomes of a Rater-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

The efficacy of yoga as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has garnered interest. While yoga may positively influence various symptom domains, further investigation is needed due to the limited number, quality, and generalizability of studies. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability (primary outcome) of a yoga-based group intervention (YoGI) developed in a participatory approach and explored its preliminary effectiveness. In addition to the primary outcomes, this preregistered randomized controlled trial examined rater-blinded general psychopathology, positive- and negative symptoms, and self-rated depression, anxiety, stress, body mindfulness, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, cognition, social functioning, quality of life, and medication regime at baseline and postintervention as secondary outcomes. Fifty inpatients with SSD received either TAU (n = 25) or YoGI + TAU (n = 25) for four weeks. Outcomes showed 95% protocol adherence of YoGI, feasibility, and retention rates of 91% and 94%, respectively, and a dropout rate of 6%. ANCOVA revealed significant between-group postintervention improvements for YoGI + TAU in positive symptoms, depression, cognitive fusion, and a mindfulness subscale. Medium-to-large pre- to postintervention effects were found for body mindfulness, positive, negative, and general psychopathology, cognitive fusion, depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, and attention in YoGI + TAU, while within-group changes were consistently smaller in TAU. No severe adverse events were reported. This trial supports the feasibility and acceptability of YoGI for inpatients with SSD and provides preliminary evidence of YoGI's benefits beyond TAU. Further robust, multicentric RCTs are warranted to deepen our understanding of YoGI's therapeutic potential and inform clinical interventions for SSD.

PERAN HUKUM DALAM PLATFORM E-COMMERCE DALAM ERA TRANSFORMASI DIGITAL DI DESA BATUNUNGGAL KECAMATAN CIBADAK KABUPATEN SUKABUMI

This community service aims to improve the understanding and implementation of legal aspects in e-commerce platforms in the era of digital transformation in Batununggal Village, Cibadak District, Sukabumi Regency. The program was implemented through a workshop method with a participatory approach, involving 20 MSME players. The result was 30% who have utilized the e-commerce platform and 85% admitted to have a limited understanding of the legal aspects of electronic transactions. The program also resulted in the establishment of a digital business community and a digital legal consultation center at the village level. The sustainability of the program is supported through an ongoing mentoring system and the development of an online learning module

Editorial on special issues: “regional nutrient management in the circular economy” & “nitrogen and carbon recycling: benefits from the stakeholders’ perspective”

AbstractThe intensification and specialization of global agriculture has led to a nutrient surplus resulting in regional environmental issues such as eutrophication and loss of biodiversity due to nutrient accumulation. Addressing these challenges requires a shift towards regional nutrient circularity, inspired by the principles of a circular economy, to create a more resource-efficient agricultural system. Circular agriculture, particularly in Europe, provides a model for sustainable nutrient management at various scales—local, regional, national and international. Existing technologies enable the production of fertilizers from secondary or waste streams and can improve nutrient use efficiency. The development of a market with transparency of supply and demand dynamics, standardized products, and reliable traceability is essential for the effective implementation of nutrient circularity. However, practical nutrient management takes place on a local level, with significant variability in environmental, economic, and social conditions at the farm and field levels due to differences in nutrient demand by crops or farm management, e.g. organic farming with often lower total nutrient intensity. Therefore, the successful development of a regional circular nutrient economy necessitates a stronger stakeholder perspective, emphasizing the importance of participatory research approaches. In addition to circularity, the efficiency of nutrient use from secondary fertilizers must be enhanced, and the broader food system must evolve towards more nutrient-efficient practices. This transformation will likely require adopting a planetary health diet that promotes both sufficiency and sustainability in nutrient use. Therefore, policy measures need to provide a clear regulatory framework at supranational (e.g. European Union) or national level, targeting environmental and societal goals, while at the same time supporting locally adaptable interventions through economic incentives and innovation support.

Soil Loss Estimation and Community Awareness Assessment on Integrated Watershed Management: The Case of Lake Hashenge Watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is recognized as one of the most severely affected regions by soil erosion globally, posing significant threats to its national economy. This study investigates soil loss estimation and community awareness within the framework of integrated watershed management in the Lake Hashenge watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia. The mean annual rainfall and total drainage area of Lake Hashenge watershed is 988.7 mm and 129km2 respectively. Utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, we quantified soil erosion rates and identified critical areas prone to severe soil loss. Our findings indicate significant soil degradation, exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The estimated soil loss yield entering Lake Hashenge in the form of sheet and rill erosion was 61.94 tons/ha/year. According to the universal soil loss factsheet, the soil loss estimated in the watershed was categorized as severe, indicating that the lake is in danger. Concurrently, we assessed community awareness and participation in soil conservation practices through surveys and interviews with a multidisciplinary team of researchers. The results reveal a moderate level of awareness and engagement, highlighting the need for enhanced educational and participatory approaches to foster sustainable watershed management. This research underscores the importance of integrating scientific soil loss assessments with community-based integrated watershed management strategies to mitigate soil erosion, protect the lake from sedimentation, and promote environmental sustainability in the region.

Making exploratory search engines using qualitative case studies: a mixed method implementation using interviews with Detroit Artisans

Abstract Search engine algorithms are increasingly subjects of critique, with evidence indicating their role in driving polarization, exclusion, and algorithmic social harms. Many proposed solutions take a top-down approach, with experts proposing bias-corrections. A more participatory approach may be possible, with those made vulnerable by algorithmic unfairness having a voice in how they want to be “found.” By using a mixed methods approach, we sought to develop search engine criteria from the bottom-up. In this project we worked with a group of 16 African American artisanal entrepreneurs in Detroit Michigan, with a majority female and all from low-income communities. Through regular in-depth interviews with select participants, they highlighted their important services, identities and practices. We then used causal set relations with natural language processing to match queries with their qualitative narratives. We refer to this two-step process-- deliberately focusing on social groups with unaddressed needs, and carefully translating narratives to computationally accessible forms--as a “content aware” approach. The resulting content aware search outcomes place themes that participants value, in particular greater relationality, much earlier in the list of results when compared with a standard Web search. More broadly, our use of participatory design with “content awareness” adds evidence to the importance of addressing algorithmic bias by considering who gets to address it; and, that participatory search engine criteria can be modeled as robust linkages between interviews and semantic similarity using causal set relations.

From hard coal mining to a learning space for digitally supported participatory management of biodiversity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of the former coal mining site in Kamp-Lintfort into a public park and learning space for biodiversity. In 2020, an urban green space was established, featuring various aquatic and terrestrial habitats and a high level of biological diversity in the city centre with broad community support. Design/methodology/approach This study presents secondary data of a literature review on participatory management of biodiversity in urban green spaces, with a focus on the sustainability context, participation approaches, theoretical frameworks and the role of education. The example of Zechenpark Kamp-Lintfort (Germany) shows how urban green space development can meet the challenging demands of inner city development while fostering knowledge generation via citizen science and participatory biodiversity management. The study collected primary data on plant biodiversity using a citizen science approach to raise awareness and create opportunities for human–nature interaction. Findings Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 is the most important development goal in the context of participatory biodiversity management of urban green spaces. Most of the studies have a place-based focus and integration of local knowledge is the main reason for a participatory approach. The findings show how a green learning space can offer opportunities for digital learning as well as participatory biodiversity management in urban areas. The project lead to an increase in local citizens’ awareness of biodiversity. Based on a literature review, this report identifies challenges and opportunities for establishing a green learning space for biodiversity education. The example illustrates that an urban green space can provide numerous possibilities for citizens and students to get involved and that it can foster the sustainable development of a new urban neighbourhood. Research limitations/implications A place-based approach limits generalisability. To overcome this limitation, a literature review was conducted, and the location was compared to two parks with similar site conversion history. Practical implications The example of developing an urban green space can inspire universities to take an active role in biodiversity management in urban green spaces, integrating biodiversity into university activities and creating a positive impact in the urban environment. Social implications Analysis of studies in the field shows that education deserves a more prominent role in theoretical frameworks. Originality/value The study represents an example of transition and citizen-led participatory management of biodiversity from a medium-sized city, transformation processes covering these aspects are underrepresented in literature.

Participatory science and course-based undergraduate research experience to improve research-informed teaching of evolution and palaeontology

AbstractThis study introduces a participatory science-inspired approach to teaching and curriculum design, involving undergraduate students directly in active research. Using a case study on dinosaur eye size, integrated into a first-year undergraduate course in Geology and Palaeontology at a UK university, this study presents the advantages and disadvantages of this approach for both teachers and learners. As part of the study, 22 undergraduate students were involved in data collection, analysis, and the subsequent publication processes, emphasizing active student participation in research. A subsequent survey demonstrated high student engagement and perceived relevance of this participatory science-style teaching approach. Results indicate that students found the approach appealing, engaging, and beneficial for understanding scientific concepts and methods. The case study shows that a participatory science approach through a course-based research experience can enhance student engagement and learning by providing meaningful, hands-on research experiences. This approach allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in a realistic context, fostering their understanding of evolutionary theory through active data collection and analysis. However, care should be taken concerning data accuracy and ethical aspects, such as exploitation of labour and the recognition of knowledge creators and participants. Despite these challenges, the benefits of integrating such approaches into higher education curricula can be substantial, offering a valuable model for teaching evolutionary theory and related topics.

Mapping sidewalk accessibility with smartphone imagery and Visual AI: a participatory approach.

Evaluating sidewalk accessibility is conventionally a manual and time-consuming task that requires specialized personnel. While recent developments in Visual AI have paved the way for automating data analysis, the lack of sidewalk accessibility datasets remains a significant challenge. This study presents the design and validation of Sidewalk AI Scanner, a web app that enables quick, crowdsourced and low-cost sidewalk mapping. The app enables a participatory approach to data collection through imagery captured using smartphone cameras. Subsequently, dedicated algorithms automatically identify sidewalk features such as width, obstacles or pavement conditions. Though not a replacement for high-resolution sensing methods, this method leverages data crowdsourcing as a strategy to produce a highly scalable, city-level dataset of sidewalk accessibility, offering a novel perspective on the city's inclusivity; fostering community empowerment and participatory planning.This article is part of the theme issue 'Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance'.

Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance.

The digital revolution, fuelled by advancements in social media, Big Data, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, is reshaping our urban landscapes into 'participatory cities'. These cities leverage digital technologies to foster citizen engagement, collaborative decision-making and community-driven urban development, thus unlocking new potentials while confronting emerging threats. Such technologies are empowering individuals and organizations in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. They do, however, introduce new risks and vulnerabilities that must be carefully managed. Hence, socio-technical innovation is urgently needed. In this connection, open-source technologies, participatory approaches and new forms of governance are becoming more popular and relevant. This theme issue looks into the tangible impacts of these technological advancements, with a focus on participatory cities. It aims to explain how digital tools are used in cities to tackle urban challenges, improve governance and promote sustainability. Through a collection of in-depth analyses, case studies and real-world examples, this issue seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the digital governance frameworks underpinning participatory cities. By offering a platform for multidisciplinary discourse, this theme issue endeavours to contribute to the broader narrative of shaping a more resilient, sustainable and democratic urban future in the digital age.This article is part of the theme issue 'Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance'.

The Strategy of the Yogyakarta City Government in Implementing a Sustainable Zero Inorganic Waste Policy

This research aims to analyze the implementation of the Zero Inorganic Waste policy enacted by the Yogyakarta City Government, focusing on waste sorting strategies, infrastructure support, and challenges encountered in managing inorganic waste. The qualitative methodology involves field observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with various stakeholders. The research findings indicate that while this policy has successfully raised public awareness about waste separation, significant challenges remain, such as low public participation, limited infrastructure, and insufficient education efforts. Therefore, the government must increase resource allocation for waste management infrastructure and develop more effective educational programs to encourage behavioral change. This study’s contribution to urban waste management literature lies in its emphasis on the importance of a participatory and systematic approach to waste management and the need for public behavioral change to achieve sustainability goals. The conclusions of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in formulating more effective waste management strategies in Yogyakarta and other urban areas. This research also offers substantial theoretical contributions, particularly regarding the importance of participatory and systematic approaches in urban waste management and the necessity for societal behavioral changes to achieve sustainability objectives.