Participatory Techniques Research Articles

Knowledge of the Pasaman community in fulfilling nutritional needs in the first 1000 days of life

Malnutrition, especially the stunting category, is a big problem for the people in Pasaman today, because it has a broad impact on aspects of life which include health, social, culture and the economy. This study aims to identify the knowledge of the people in Pasaman about fulfilling nutrition at 1000 HPK and knowing the eating patterns of the Pasaman community at 1000 HPK. This study used qualitative research methods. Data was collected through participatory observation techniques and in-depth interviews. With the number of informants as many as 35 people. The results showed that in general, the community's knowledge of fulfilling nutrition in 1,000 HPK had received counseling and socialization from the village midwife and Posyandu cadres. However, this knowledge has not been seen in the people's diet at 1,000 HPK. The practice of daily eating patterns during the 1,000 HPK era was still the same as the habits that occurred before there was counseling. Food for pregnant and lactating women is prioritized is a matter of taste and preference, not about the nutritional content of food. Likewise with baby food 0-6 years, mothers already know that babies must be given exclusive breastfeeding, but there are still some mothers who do not give breast milk, because they think that breast milk is not filling for babies.

Experiential - Participatory Teaching Techniques in Primary Education: Exploring the Views of Greek Teachers

This research seeks to explore the views of Greek teachers in primary schools on the use of experiential - participatory teaching techniques in the classroom. More specifically, it seeks to investigate whether the use of experiential - participatory techniques will: improve the quality of teaching; make appropriate use of modern learning principles in the context of the functioning of the educational group; and make appropriate use of the specific characteristics, educational needs and interests of students. The research sample consisted of two hundred and ten Greek teachers. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct the research and collect data. The main findings of this research are coded as follows: (a) A very high percentage of teachers state that the quality of teaching is improved by using experiential - participatory teaching techniques, (b) A very high percentage of teachers state that by using experiential - participatory teaching techniques, modern learning principles are appropriately utilized in the context of the educational team functioning, (c) A fairly high percentage of teachers state that the use of experiential - participatory teaching techniques exploits the specific characteristics, educational needs and interests of students.

Perceived Knowledge of Cassava Value Chain Actors on Varietal Preferences for Various End Uses

This study assessed end users’ perceptions about preferred traits for various end uses, constraints, and varietal preferences using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). A purposive sampling procedure was used to identify value chain actors. A total of 360 questionnaires were administered to 120 producers, 72 processors, 72 consumers and 96 traders. The study revealed that, 89.2% of the respondents grow cassava only whilst 82.5% grow and process in the three study districts. Farmers commonly select cassava varieties with focus on high yield, root size, root taste, early maturity period and inner color. Mean rank of studied traits were significantly (p ≤ 0.0001) differed among cassava producers and processors. In Bo district, high root yield (1st), root size (2nd), dry matter content (3rd) and starch content (4th), were the most important traits. In Bombali district, high root yield (1st), root taste (2st), dry matter content (3rd) and poundability (4th) were the most desired. In Kenema district, high root yield (1st), root taste (2st), maturity period (3rd), and poundability (4th), were the most desired. The overall ranking based on producers’ selection criteria revealed that starch content, dry matter content, root size and ease of peeling as the top key traits considered for cassava processing. Results suggest that participatory variety selection and participatory plant breeding techniques should be explored to promote collaborations between stakeholders and breeders for development of new cassava varieties with desired traits including high dry matter content, high root yield, high starch content and other desired key quality traits.

Preventing and protesting workplace sexual harassment: Women agro‐processing workers in Bangladesh

SummaryMotivationSexual harassment of women in the workplace is considered to be one of the reasons holding back women from entering work and a major reason for women dropping out of work in Bangladesh. However, paid work is an important pathway to empowerment. To enable and sustain women's entry into the formal sectors of the economy, it is important to understand their voice and agency in preventing workplace sexual harassment and from the obstacles they face in doing so.PurposeThe article explores how language and social and gender norms constrain young women's voice and agency in response to sexual harassment. Our research asked how language, gender norms, and informality in work arrangements influence young women's voice and agency in response to sexual harassment at work.Methods and approachBased on case studies with factory workers in agro‐processing firms in the outskirts of the capital, Dhaka, 21 in‐depth interviews were carried out, supplemented by participatory techniques of gender safety audits and body mapping.FindingsI show the informal nature of formal workspaces and the failure of formal institutions which create precarity for the women working there. Young women's experiences, perceptions, and articulation of sexual harassment and attempts at prevention or redress are determined by gender norms and how these norms influence the factory workspace and interactions with others in that space. I argue that sexual harassment is normalized, formal complaints mechanisms do not work, and so informal means aligned with social norms may be the only option available.Policy implicationsThe policy implications of the research include the need to recognize the informal mechanisms being used and the importance of developing a common language that will allow the “victims” to speak openly about their experiences and make complaints, increasing access to and confidence in formal complaints mechanisms and developing young women's civic and political capacities to protest harassment and seek redress.

Measuring Shifts in Mental Models in the Prevention of Childhood Obesity in Rural Australia.

Group model building is a participatory workshop technique used in system dynamics for developing community consensus to address complex problems by consensus building on individual assumptions. This study examines changes in individual mental models of the complex problem of childhood obesity following participation in group model building (GMB), as part of a larger community-based system dynamics project. Data are drawn from GMB participants across six community sites in the Whole of Systems Trial of Prevention Strategies for Childhood Obesity (WHO STOPS) in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. Each community participated in two GMB sessions resulting in a causal loop diagram (CLD) of drivers of childhood obesity for each community. Presurvey and postsurvey captured participants' perspectives before and after (n = 25) participation in both GMB sessions and a blend of inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was used to code individual responses. Three calculations were used to determine the number of responses, whether responses were a result of persuasion from others, and comparison of responses to those found in the CLD. Our study found participant mental models shifted during the course of the GMB sessions, with some responses persuaded by others and 75% of new insights identified in CLDs created by communities. The GMB process created a platform for participants to share ideas and learn from each other. In addition, participants listed new insights about childhood obesity in their community through developing CLDs.

STRATEGY FORMULATION TO EMPOWER INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN CULTURAL ECOLOGICAL TOURISM OF KUALA TAHAN NATIONAL PARK

Cultural ecological tourism is a source for the preservation of habitats and species of life. This sector is seen as having the potential to generate job opportunities and income for indigenous communities, especially the Orang Asli of the Batek tribe who live around the Kuala Tahan National Park. The main objective of this paper is to discuss strategies to empower the involvement of indigenous communities in cultural ecological tourism in Kuala Tahan National Park. The study was conducted in six Batek settlements by adopting qualitative methods. Data was collected by the application of participatory observation techniques, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. Data was coordinated and analyzed using QSR Nvivo software. The findings of the study show that various strategies can be applied to empowering the Batek people's involvement in cultural ecological tourism such as the cooperation of all parties including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, universities, and tourism companies. Empowerment strategies can also be applied by applying an integrated approach, which is the amalgamation of ecological, and cultural tourism with other economic activities in addition to improving the delivery of quality tourism products and services.

Rapid ethnography and participatory techniques increase onchocerciasis mass drug administration treatment coverage in Benin: a difference-in-differences analysis

BackgroundOnchocerciasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that causes blindness, is controlled via mass drug administration (MDA) where entire endemic communities are targeted with preventative chemotherapeutic treatment. However, in many settings, MDA coverage remains low. The purpose of this project was to determine if engaging communities in the development of implementation strategies improves MDA coverage.MethodsThis study took place in an intervention and a control commune in Benin, West Africa. We conducted rapid ethnography in each commune to learn about community member perceptions of onchocerciasis, MDA, and opportunities to increase MDA coverage. Findings were shared with key stakeholders and a structured nominal group technique was used to derive implementation strategies most likely to increase treatment coverage. The implementation strategies were delivered prior to and during onchocerciasis MDA. We conducted a coverage survey within 2 weeks of MDA to determine treatment coverage in each commune. A difference-in-differences design was used to determine if the implementation package effectively increased coverage. A dissemination meeting was held with the NTD program and partners to share findings and determine the perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of implementing rapid ethnography as part of routine program improvement.ResultsDuring rapid ethnography, key barriers to MDA participation included trust in community drug distributors, poor penetration of MDA programs in rural or geographically isolated areas, and low demand for MDA among specific sub-populations driven by religious or socio-cultural beliefs. Stakeholders developed a five-component implementation strategy package, including making drug distributor trainings dynamic, redesigning distributor job aids, tailoring community sensitization messages, formalizing supervision, and preparing local champions. After implementing the strategy package, MDA coverage increased by 13% (95% CI: 11.0–15.9%) in the intervention commune relative to the control commune. Ministry of Health and implementing partners found the approach to be largely acceptable and appropriate; however, there was mixed feedback regarding the feasibility of future implementation of rapid ethnography.ConclusionsImplementation research conducted in Benin, and indeed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, is often implemented in a top-down manner, with both implementation determinants and strategies derived in the global North. This project demonstrates the importance of participatory action research involving community members and implementers to optimize program delivery.

Membangun Social Support Network melalui Penguatan Kapasitas Remaja Perempuan dalam Pencegahan Child Marriage di Perdesaan

This community service is intended to develop IPPNU members’ capacity in order to strengthen their function as social support networks among girls in Kecamatan Tutur, Kabupaten Pasuruan Jatim since the incidence rate of child marriage in this area has become higher due to covid-19 pandemic. The organization’s ability to function as a social support network becomes critical for enhancing self-agency among girls in rural areas regarding their decision to marry. In order to develop this function, a range of treatments had been accomplished to improve participants’ knowledge, skills, and ability to apply critical thinking in both exploring the causes and designing preventive measures for child marriage. By involving 11 IPPNU members as participants, this community service employed workshops as the main method. The results have shown that participants’ knowledge about child marriage has been improved, particularly by the use of participatory communication techniques to explore some issues through the victims’ lens. This activity also resulted in the enhancement of participants’ knowledge and concern to utilize an online application for designing and creating digital content. Another interesting finding is the fact that participants had performed critical thinking through their reflection on what would they contribute to their environment individually.

The wisdom of crowds for improved disaster resilience: a near-real-time analysis of crowdsourced social media data on the 2021 flood in Germany

Transformative disaster resilience in times of climate change underscores the importance of reflexive governance, facilitation of socio-technical advancement, co-creation of knowledge, and innovative and bottom-up approaches. However, implementing these capacity-building processes by relying on census-based datasets and nomothetic (or top-down) approaches remains challenging for many jurisdictions. Web 2.0 knowledge sharing via online social networks, whereas, provides a unique opportunity and valuable data sources to complement existing approaches, understand dynamics within large communities of individuals, and incorporate collective intelligence into disaster resilience studies. Using Twitter data (passive crowdsourcing) and an online survey, this study draws on the wisdom of crowds and public judgment in near-real-time disaster phases when the flood disaster hit Germany in July 2021. Latent Dirichlet Allocation, an unsupervised machine learning technique for Topic Modeling, was applied to the corpora of two data sources to identify topics associated with different disaster phases. In addition to semantic (textual) analysis, spatiotemporal patterns of online disaster communication were analyzed to determine the contribution patterns associated with the affected areas. Finally, the extracted topics discussed online were compiled into five themes related to disaster resilience capacities (preventive, anticipative, absorptive, adaptive, and transformative). The near-real-time collective sensing approach reflected optimized diversity and a spectrum of people’s experiences and knowledge regarding flooding disasters and highlighted communities’ sociocultural characteristics. This bottom-up approach could be an innovative alternative to traditional participatory techniques of organizing meetings and workshops for situational analysis and timely unfolding of such events at a fraction of the cost to inform disaster resilience initiatives.

Pendampingan Strategi Pemasaran Pada Young Entrepreneurs Start-Up Di Gresik Pada Era New Normal

The New Normal era provides a great opportunity for companies to increase their turnover, but under different conditions the company faces marketing constraints (Ahmad, A.and, Nurhidaya, 2020). Facing the New Normal era, new economic drivers are needed, namely MSMEs and entrepreneurs, or what is now widely known as start-up. Entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged to increase national economic growth. This is because this sector is able to absorb as much as 97 percent of the total national workforce. In addition, the New Normal Era is a new challenge for MSMEs, including Young Entrepreneurs Start-up. They have become MSMEs which are now starting to be taken into account and dominated by Millennials, including in Gresik. This service aims to provide marketing strategy assistance using e-marketing by utilizing the currently trending TikTok Shop. The method used is Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), namely approaches and techniques for involving the community in thought processes that take place during planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of community development programs. At the time of implementation, the activity was followed by 12 Young Entrepreneurs Start-up in Gresik. E-marketing assistance activities use the "TikTok Shop" application which is currently a trending social media among millennials through Google Playstore via Playstore with the search key "TikTok". As a result of the implementation of this service, there was an increase in the ability of Young Entrepreneurs Start-up to utilize social media TikTok for e-marketing as well as in terms of business development and product promotion at low cost and affordable and up to date.

Understanding local actors’ perspective of threats to the sustainable management of communal rangeland and the role of Participatory GIS (PGIS): the case of Vulindlela, South Africa

ABSTRACT Rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions serve as grazing land for domesticated animals and therefore offer livelihood opportunities for most pastoral communities. Thus, the exposure of most rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions to threats that are associated with natural, social, economic, and political processes affects their capacity to provide socioeconomic and environmental support to the immediate and global communities. In spite of the effects of rangeland transformations on both the natural and human environment, the assessment of threats affecting rangeland productivity has often been approached from a conventional scientific perspective. Most existing literature is focused on the assessment of threats to the biophysical environment. As such the social dimension of rangeland threats is not well understood. This research employed participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and PGIS techniques to assess rangeland threats and management actions from a local perspective. The result revealed that local actors prioritize threats to their social and economic needs over threats to the biophysical environment and their preference is informed by the frequency and magnitude of the threats. The outcome of the research demonstrates the need to promote rangeland governance through interdisciplinary and inclusive participation in research and development.

Scaling agroecology for food system transformation in metropolitan areas: Agroecological characterization and role of knowledge in community-supported agriculture farms connected to a food hub in Berlin, Germany

ABSTRACT We investigated an already existing agri-food network connecting ten regional community-supported agriculture farms with a food hub in the city of Berlin. The overall aim of the study was to conduct an agroecological characterization of the farms by using the Agroecology Criteria Tool and focusing on the role of knowledge (co-)creation and sharing. We conducted walking interviews with ten farmers and applied participatory research techniques. We found that, first, the farmers either have already transformed the farm into an advanced agroecological model (level 3) or are transitioning from organic to agroecological (level 2–3). Second, the interactions between the farms and regional agri-food system actors foster the reconnection between eaters and regional growers (level 4). The actors of this transformation belong, thus, to grassroots self-organized and solidarity-based initiatives, which have built an agroecology-based regional agri-food network. And third, the diversity of activities and formats identified for engaging a broad range of stakeholders provides resources for redefining power relationships and co-creating knowledge. However, there are important barriers that must be addressed to scale this network, such as the lack of structures, platforms and collaborations fostering the knowledge (co-)creation and sharing, access to affordable and secure land, and the lack of governmental support.

Design and usability evaluation of a mobile-based-self-management application for caregivers of children with severe burns.

Paediatric burns are a major public health issue because of long-term physical, psychological and social consequences and the high cost of treatment. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a mobile-based self-management application for caregivers of children with severe burns. A participatory design technique was employed to develop the Burn application, which included three main phases: the determination of application requirements, the design and evaluation of the low-fidelity prototype, and the design and evaluation of the high-fidelity prototypes. In the first phase, application requirements were determined via validated paper questionnaires using the Delphi technique. In the second step, a low-fidelity prototype was prepared using conceptual models and evaluated through a focus group with specialists. Seven specialists reviewed the application and evaluated how this prototype meets functional requirements and objectives. The third phase was performed in three stages. First, the high-fidelity prototype was designed and developed by the JAVA programming language. Second, a cognitive walk-through was carried out to show how users can interact with the mobile application and how it works. Third, this program was installed on the mobile phones of 28 caregivers of burned children, eight IT experts, and two general surgeries, and the prototype's usability was evaluated. In the present study, most caregivers of children with burns stated that after discharge, they face problems regarding infection control and wound care (4.07) and how to perform physical activity (4.12). User registration, educational materials, caregiver-clinician communication, chat box, and appointment booking, safe login were the most important characteristic of the Burn application. Mean usability evaluation scores were in the range of 7.92 ± 0.238 to 8.10± 0.103, which is considered at a "good" level. From the Burn program design experience, it can be concluded that co-design with health care specialists can significantly support and meet the specialists' and patients' needs and ensure the program's usefulness. In addition, application evaluation by users involved and not involved in the application design process can help enhance usability.

Iran’s approach to energy policy towards 2040: a participatory scenario method

Purpose In the case of Iran, about 19 years have passed since the announcement of general energy policies. Policies adopted in the past included too many approaches and goals for the energy sector that some of them are in conflict with each other and their simultaneous implementation was impossible. Therefore, many of the expected goals of these policies have not been achieved. It is very important to adopt an appropriate approach that is compatible with the country’s characteristics and can steer energy policies. Therefore, this study aims to adopt an appropriate approach for the country’s energy sector according to the conditions and needs of the country. Design/methodology/approach A participatory scenario technique is designed and used to develop plausible projections in the case of Iran’s energy futures. Based on the proposed methodology, the research process starts with data gathering through interviews and national plans analysis. Then, findings were used as inputs to a simulation-based scenario development process. Scenarios are developed based on Monte Carlo simulation via cross-impact analysis technique purified based on expert judgments. Findings In this paper, to recognize Iran’s general approach to energy in the next 20 years, driving forces of change were introduced and used as input for the scenario development phase. Results showed sanctions play a significant role in Iran’s energy future and determine the directions of other driving forces. For renewable energy, it was proposed to increase the renewable share in Iran’s electricity generation mix to 5% of the total installed capacity. In the case of fossil fuel extraction, the maximum efficient rate was proposed for both oil and natural gas national production strategy. Originality/value This research is novel both in terms of application and theory. A new participatory scenario development method is used using simulations that are equipped based on experts’ judgments. Also from the practical perspective, this research targeted a future-oriented challenging problem to initialize national policy in a resource-rich developing economy (i.e. Iran).

An Evaluation of Local Leadership Training in Community Development: A Case of Birim North District in Ghana

Training has been acknowledged as an important tool for equipping local leaders with knowledge and skills to enable them to perform their role as development agents in their communities. In view of that, this study sought to explore how training transformed the local leaders to become catalyst for development in the Birim North District in Ghana. The research design used in this study was the summative evaluation research which involved the post-test design. The cluster sampling method was used to select communities in the district where local leaders reside. Those who participated in the habitat training programme were sampled for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire which were personally administered. The findings of the study suggest that participants acquired knowledge of all leadership styles to enable them to adopt the most appropriate style to reflect conditions within their environment. Secondly, trainees learned about implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects. Additionally, most of the trainees learned the brainstorming technique to enhance participatory decision-making and social integration in their localities. Besides, trainees acquired knowledge about participatory techniques that make adults active participants. Again, the findings indicate that trainees acquired knowledge of group discussion as a technique for evaluating programmes and projects in the district. Additionally, the study revealed that local leaders acquired knowledge of friendliness and dialoguing to strengthen their human relations.

PELUANG ENTERPRENEUR WANITA TANI DALAM DIVERSIFIKASI UBI KAYU SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU PANGAN KONVENSIONAL

The purpose of this community service activity is to carry out counseling and empowerment in the process of processing cassava into kaopi (flour) which has a soft texture, white color and a distinctive aroma (like fresh cassava) and a good packaging system and branding for business groups. women farmers in Bola Village, Batauga District, South Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The method of implementing community service is through the participatory action research (PAR) method which is carried out using participatory techniques such as Focus Group Discussions (FGD), surveys with the involvement of all members of business groups as interviewers, formal and non-formal discussions and discussions with stakeholders, so that people recognize the potential and existing problems and encourage participation in the activities carried out. The results of the implementation of community service activities show that the process of processing cassava into good and soft kaopi has been successful because the women farming business group has understood the stages in the kaopi processing process. So that the resulting kaopi has a soft texture, white color, does not smell and has been packaged properly in branded packaging.

Mapping Communities of Mothering: Where Race, Class, Gender, and Space Intersect

ABSTRACT This manuscript explores the unique construction of community that young, low-income, women create, based on the embodied internal and external spaces they occupy as lone mothers. Issues related to diverse women’s representation, voice, and power, within these socially constructed communities are examined. Attention is paid to how young low-income mothers experience and actively create their own supportive community within both geographic and social boundaries, in active resistance to dominant and oppressive assumptions. To explore these concepts in-depth, results are presented from an ethnographic study that examined the community participation of eleven young, low-income, racially diverse single mothers living in a small U.S. Midwestern city. Findings focus on the multiple ways that women’s lives embodied the idea of community through the prism of motherhood, race, class, and geographic/physical space. The use of qualitative participatory mapping techniques is also emphasized to examine these physically and socially constructed boundaries. Implications are discussed for ways that social workers can best advocate for social justice by using an intersectional lens to locate and partner with the organic communities of mothering that these women created.

How Do Left-Behind Families Adapt to the Salinity-Induced Male Out-Migration Context? A Case Study of Shyamnagar Sub-District in Coastal Bangladesh

The knowledge regarding male out-migration due to climate change and large-scale, rapid-onset disasters and their impacts on the left-behind families is well known. However, research on the adaptation strategies for the families left behind due to disaster-induced male-out seasonal migration is rarely carried out. Thus, this study attempts to explore the coping and adaptation strategies adopted by the left-behind families in the salinity-induced male out-migration context. Analyzing the factors affecting the adaptation behaviors is also a major objective of this study. The study was carried out in Shyamnagar sub-district of coastal Bangladesh, where male-out seasonal migration for both rapid and slow-onset disasters is evidenced. The data regarding the adaptation measures were explored through different participatory rural appraisal techniques. Primary data were collected from 213 women from the left-behind families through a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics as well as multiple linear regression for analyzing the factors affecting adaptation behaviors were applied. The results revealed that the left-behind families, especially the women and children, adopted a total of 35 coping and adaptation strategies in five different aspects, such as economic adaptation, social adaptation measures, environmental measures, educational measures, and health-related measures. Migrant husbands’ age and their education, the household’s alternative income sources’ availability, receiving loans, disaster history, and migration history variables contributed most significantly to the adaptation behavior. This study provides a new perspective on seasonal male out-migration and the adaptation strategies of the left-behind families, which could be helpful for disaster-induced human migration management and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities.

Constraints to sustained adoption of organic farming and ramifications to community development in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

This study looks into a recurring issue that adoption of organic farming is problematic despite the Philippine government’s big investment on its massive promotion and notwithstanding of the technology’s potential for delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits. The study involved two major players—a private enterprise and an organic farmers’ association in organic farming. It argued that a private enterprise perceived to be resource-rich is likely to sustain adoption of organic farming compared to farmers belonging to the people’s organization. Mixed method and participatory data gathering techniques were employed. Both groups practiced organic farming techniques endorsed by the Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture. The private enterprise is engaged in the production of forest trees, fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, swine, and cattle. The farmers’ association is producing high value crops such as rice, onion, watermelon, and garlic. However, both have experienced some constraints categorized as political and regulatory that may prevent them from sustaining organic farming in the future. These constraints may hamper their desire to contribute to improving people’s well-being while ensuring the integrity and protection of the environment.

Assessment of community perceptions and risk to common zoonotic diseases among communities living at the human-livestock-wildlife interface in Nakuru West, Kenya: A participatory epidemiology approach.

Zoonoses account for most of the emerging and re-emerging infections in Kenya and in other low to medium-income countries across the world. The human-livestock-wildlife interface provides a nexus where transmission and spread of these zoonotic diseases could occur among communities farming in these areas. We sought to identify perceptions of the community living near the Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. We used participatory epidemiology techniques (PE) involving Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among community members and Key Informant Interviews (KII) with the health, veterinary, and administration officers in July 2020. We used listing, pairwise matching, and proportional piling techniques during the FGDs in the randomly selected villages in the study area from a list of villages provided by the area government officers. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the median scores between the zoonotic diseases, source of information, and response to disease occurrence. Medians with a z-score greater than 1.96 at 95% Confidence Level were considered to be significant. Content analysis was used to rank qualitative variables. We conducted seven FGDs and four KIIs. A total of 89 participants took part in the FGDs with their ages ranging from 26 to 85 years. Common zoonotic diseases identified by participants included anthrax, rabies, and brucellosis. Anthrax was considered to have the greatest impact by the participants (median = 4, z>1.96), while 4/7 (57%) of the FGDs identified consumption of uninspected meat as a way that people can get infected with zoonotic diseases. Community Health Volunteers (Median = 28, z = 2.13) and the government veterinary officer (median = 7, z = 1.8) were the preferred sources of information during disease outbreaks. The participants knew the zoonotic diseases common in the area and how the diseases can be acquired. We recommend increased involvement of the community in epidemio-surveillance of zoonotic diseases at the human-wildlife-livestock interface.