Capturing the story behind weeds using the Photovoice method

With the main focus on Conservation Agriculture (CA) based technologies like the Multi-Crop Zero Till Planter, the Sustainable and Resilient Farming Systems Intensification (SRFSI) project began in 2014. It is known that farmers often face immense problems of weeds following the adoption of Zero Till techniques, so it is justified that research needs to be conducted to confirm the exact situation of farmers regarding weed management. Additionally, one of the research objectives of SRFSI is to understand male and female farmers’ knowledge, perception and practices of CA, so a visual qualitative research tool like Photovoice is an appropriate method to capture this.

In coordination with SRFSI partners in Bangladesh (Rangpur), India (West Bengal) and Nepal (Sunsari), training of field technicians in the Photovoice method was conducted on 6th and 7th December 2019. They learned the process and rationale of the Photovoice method, and outline of the project workplan. Activities will be monitored on weekly basis and they will equally be provided with space to ask questions and listen without judgment. They were also informed on the technical and logistic issues in conducting Photovoice process, including ethics and consent forms.

All the participants were also trained on how to take pictures of inter-row and weeds on farms. They were also informed about how to take pictures from all four corners of the farm to confirm geo-point locations. The training also focused on photo evaluation, a storytelling exercise with pictures taken during the field activity, and the ways to convey message using pictures.

Using this method of Photovoice, the labor allocation and decision-making dynamics around the implementation of CASI practices for thirty households will be explored. The effectiveness of this approach will emerge as the participants who are smallholder farmers present their perspectives through photographs accompanied by their narratives. The SRFSI project, funded by ACIAR and led by CIMMYT, is set to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of smallholder agriculture in the Eastern Gangetic Plain (EGP) of Bangladesh, India and Nepal by promoting Conservation Agriculture based Sustainable Intensification technologies.

For more information, please contact Dr Hom Gartaula ([email protected]).