Using a co-created transdisciplinary approach to explore the complexity of air pollution in informal settlements

Abstract

We present novel co-created transdisciplinary research that uses arts and humanities methods to explore air pollution in an informal settlement (Mukuru) in Nairobi, Kenya. Air pollution is a well-documented major human health issue, but despite many air pollution reduction interventions designed to improve health, these are frequently ineffective. Often this is because they fail to account for local knowledge, cultural practices and priorities of the intended recipients. Designing solutions therefore requires in-depth exploration of relevant issues with stakeholders. Researchers worked collaboratively with local residents to develop a range of methods to explore understandings of air pollution including interviews, storytelling, participatory mapping and theatre. Together, we uncovered contrasting definitions of air pollution, differing perceptions of who was responsible for enacting solutions, and overall a view that air pollution cannot be seen in isolation from the other issues faced by settlement residents. The methods used also allowed us to communicate about the topic with a wide audience. While we acknowledge that this research approach is more time consuming than traditional approaches, we urge other researchers wishing to address multifactorial problems, such as air pollution to use a mixture of qualitative, participatory and creative methods to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to elicit new and unexpected understandings that may not otherwise emerge.

From reflection diaries to practical guidance for transdisciplinary research: learnings from a Kenyan air pollution project

“…However, the advantage of being flexible in the methods used means that they can respond to the iterative development of the research project, evolving to the needs of the team (Bracken et al 2015 ). In our case, the short project timeline (18 months) and primary focus of the grant being network building and experimenting with methods, left little time for integrating learning (West et al 2021 ). Ding et al ( 2020 ) highlight the need for project leaders to have explicit knowledge of integration goals, including encouraging identification of differences and discussion of these across disciplines.…”

“…The project generated a range of products for both community and academic audiences, as shown in Table 3 . For more details, see West et al ( 2021 ). Some products were temporary (e.g.…”

“…Throughout the project we used various mechanisms to support participation, engagement and communication including online project meetings, WhatsApp messaging and reflection diaries. For further details of the project discussed, see West et al ( 2021 ).

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Public engagement with air quality data: using health behaviour change theory to support exposure-minimising behaviours

“…The difficulties of behaviour change in the 'real-world' are imitated with the other actors opposing the proposed changes of the spect-actor. West et al [100], developed forum theatre storylines from community members own accounts of how air quality had affected them and presented the play at various community hubs around Mukuru (an informal settlement in Kenya), allowing community members to contribute to the scene and offer their suggestions for resolving the various issues. It has been suggested that the personal relevance of forum theatre is a key motivator for individual behaviour change [101].…”

“…Instead of developing interventions 'for', this approach develops interventions 'with' relevant stakeholders that fit the needs and priorities of those they impact [104]. For example, West et al [100], using creative methods in a co-production approach, found that this enabled the production of several solutions to air pollution which were designed around and suitable for the local context informed by communities' priorities and contributing towards "improved outcomes and achievable solutions" [105]. Where there is a need to induce behaviour change, co-production is believed to be particularly valuable [106], yet the value of such research is only now being realised for the 'wicked' issue of air pollution.…”