Why is the use of participatory methods effective in hygiene promotion programmes?
Updated - Monday 03 December 2007
Why is the use of participatory methods effective in hygiene promotion programmes?
History tells us that it is difficult to change behaviour. However, it can be done with the use of participatory methods. Participatory methods enhance self-discovery and ownership in planning for improvements. They have proved to be successful where other, more top-down, strategies have failed. They are based on human behavioural science, adult education and extensive field testing.
Field experience has shown that participatory methods can lead to a far more rewarding experience for the extension worker. Many case studies demonstrate that once extension workers have tried participatory methods and found the experience worthwhile, they do not want to return to their earlier methods.
Source: R. Sawyer, et al.(1998). PHAST Step-by-Step Guide: a participatory approach for the control of diarrhoeal disease , WHO, Switzerland, Geneva, (WHO/EOS/98.3)
There is more information available in the IRC TOP on Hygiene Promotion. And for more about the PHAST Methodology go to The PHAST Initiative on the site of the World Health Organization.
