Participatory content creation: voice, communication, and development

Author： Tacchi Jo Watkins Jerry Keerthirathne Kosala

ISSN： 1364-9213

Source： Development in Practice, Vol.19, Iss.4-5, 2009-06, pp. : 573-584

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

This article uses the example of a mobile mixed-media platform - a converted three-wheeled auto-rickshaw - in Sri Lanka in order to explore whether and how content-creation activities can enable marginalised communities to have a voice. It draws upon research into participatory content-creation activities conducted in 15 locations across India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The main findings are: the need to pay attention to context when thinking about what might be locally appropriate, relevant, and beneficial in terms of participatory content creation; the benefits that can be gained from creatively reaching out to and engaging marginalised groups and encouraging a diversity of voices; the usefulness of locally produced content for generating local debate around local issues; and the benefits of encouraging participation at all stages of content creation, so that content is locally meaningful and might lead to positive social change.