Local perspectives on climate change, Participatory Video in Somotillo, Nicaragua

Abstract

Participatory Video is a methodology premised on particular attitudes and behaviors that value
collective and consensual decision-making and equalized power relations, seeking local solutions to
local problems, through coming together, reflecting, communicating, and taking positive action.
The PV project has been conducted following the successful implementation of the Quesungual
Agroforestry System in the community of La Danta in the municipality of Somotillo (department of
Chinandega, Nicaragua). The objectives of this PV project were to 1) increase participants’
awareness of ways they can influence and mitigate the effects of climate change they’re subject to;
2) empower local groups to take part in a process of analysis and response that celebrates
indigenous knowledge and practice; 3) generate a better understanding of gender differences as they
relate to climate change adaptation and mitigation; 4) generate knowledge and information that
allows future projects in the region to better understand the local context when creating inclusive
climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies that have a higher potential for success. It can
be concluded that the PV tool works especially well with young people, who tend to naturally
present a certain curiosity for technology and creative, imaginative ways to approach various
subjects. The PV methodology gave them confidence and ensured all participants had a voice in the
final video message. An element that resonated is that giving community figureheads a more
prominent role in project dissemination activities can increase the adoption of new technologies.
Aside from being more effective than brief training sessions which may not necessarily be a part of
a larger plan of long-term capacity development, it will help communities strengthen their trust in
their indigenous knowledge.