To contribute to the rising need for social science research in NTDs, the iCHORDS Research Methods Series will outline the definition, methodology, and importance of relevant research methods in the NTD field. In this blog, we will specifically be focusing on Participatory Mapping and providing a link to our associated infographic.
What is Participatory Mapping?
Participatory mapping is a map-making methodology that attempts to clarify the association between land and local communities using cartography (1). Based on the principle that local inhabitants hold knowledge of their customs and environments differing from state maps, participatory maps outline geographic regions according to what they perceive to be most important (2). It is a powerful tool that allows remote and marginalized communities to represent themselves in a spatial manner, bringing local knowledge and perspectives to the attention of authorities.
How has it been used in NTD space?
Map Resource-Poor Areas
Maps are developed in infectious disease research to understand disease infection and exposure, identify hotspots of disease transmission, and target control measures. In NTDs, participatory mapping is a quick way to obtain spatial information on individuals in rural and resource-poor areas lacking formal addresses and stable internet connectivity needed for traditional mapping methods. Fornace et al. demonstrated the effectiveness of using participatory mapping approaches by locating health facility attendees for disease surveillance in lower resource settings
Engage Communities
Participatory mapping also engages communities to be more involved in mass drug administration campaigns so that implementation can be more customized and fit for purpose. As NTD programs reach elimination phases, utilizing novel mapping techniques to identify harder-to-reach populations will be imperative.
How do you do it?
Participatory maps provide the skills and expertise needed for community members to create maps representing their spatial knowledge. Successful participatory mapping processes should be developed directly with community members to suit their requirements.
Most participatory mapping processes follow Chapin Lamb and Threlkeld’s approach (3):
- Preparing the community for the mapping activity
- Determining the purpose(s) of making a map
- Collecting information
- Creating the map and selecting the legend
- Analyzing and evaluating the information
- Using and communicating the community’s spatial information
Why use it?
Participatory maps represent a culturally distinct understanding of regions by allowing local communities to express themselves spatially. They are an alternative to language and images of existing power structures and can include information excluded from mainstream maps representing the views of dominant sectors of society. Several risks can also occur from participatory mapping, and community members should be made of them before engaging in mapping initiatives (4).
Key Studies
Community participatory action research to increase MDA coverage in hard-to-reach urban population
References
1. Cochrane L, Corbett J, Keller P. Impact of Community-based and Participatory Mapping. 2014.
2. Emmel N. Participatory Mapping: An innovative sociological method. 2008.
3. Chapin M, Lamb Z, Threlkeld B. Mapping indigenous lands. Annu Rev Anthr. 2005;34:619–38.
4. Corbett J. Good practices in participatory mapping: a review prepared for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). 2009;
