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Participatory Mapping in a Developing Country Context: Lessons from South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Dylan Weyer

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa)

  • Joana Carlos Bezerra

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa)

  • Alta De Vos

    (Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa)

Abstract

Digital participatory mapping improves accessibility to spatial information and the way in which knowledge is co-constructed and landscapes co-managed with impoverished communities. However, many unintended consequences for social and epistemic justice may be exacerbated in developing country contexts. Two South African case studies incorporating Direct-to-Digital participatory mapping in marginalized communities to inform land-use decision-making, and the ethical challenges of adopting this method are discussed. Understanding the past and present context of the site and the power dynamics at play is critical to develop trust and manage expectations among research participants. When employing unfamiliar technology, disparate literacy levels and language barriers create challenges for ensuring participants understand the risks of their involvement and recognize their rights. The logistics of using this approach in remote areas with poor infrastructure and deciding how best to leave the participants with the maps they have co-produced in an accessible format present further challenges. Overcoming these can however offer opportunity for redressing past injustices and empowering marginalized communities with a voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Dylan Weyer & Joana Carlos Bezerra & Alta De Vos, 2019. "Participatory Mapping in a Developing Country Context: Lessons from South Africa," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:8:y:2019:i:9:p:134-:d:263764
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gaynor Paradza & Lebogang Mokwena & Walter Musakwa, 2020. "Could Mapping Initiatives Catalyze the Interpretation of Customary Land Rights in Ways that Secure Women’s Land Rights?," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Jessica Cockburn & Eureta Rosenberg & Athina Copteros & Susanna Francina (Ancia) Cornelius & Notiswa Libala & Liz Metcalfe & Benjamin van der Waal, 2020. "A Relational Approach to Landscape Stewardship: Towards a New Perspective for Multi-Actor Collaboration," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-20, July.
    3. Tafadzwa Mindu & Innocent Tinashe Mutero & Winnie Baphumelele Ngcobo & Rosemary Musesengwa & Moses John Chimbari, 2023. "Digital Mental Health Interventions for Young People in Rural South Africa: Prospects and Challenges for Implementation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-15, January.
    4. Clements, Hayley S. & De Vos, Alta & Bezerra, Joana Carlos & Coetzer, Kaera & Maciejewski, Kristine & Mograbi, Penelope J. & Shackleton, Charlie, 2021. "The relevance of ecosystem services to land reform policies: Insights from South Africa," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).

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