Vignettes of Communities in Action: An Exploration of Participatory Methodologies in Promoting Community Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Three interconnected arguments are explored in this article. It begins by a reconsideration of community development, not from official and agency definitions but from what makes development real and satisfies not only physical needs, but also the spiritual as well as psychological. The second part looks at Theatre for Development (TFD) as a system of actualizing the participatory agenda so direly required, so often talked about and very consistently ignored in community development. I argue that TFD in its performative approach to discussing issues, forging alliances and community cohesion contributes to community development. In this instance, we witness TFD as a community art for instigating participation and change. I also talk about how in combination with other participatory methods, TFD can be empowering. This combination is what I call methodological conversation and the aesthetics that defines this conversation involves respect, dialogue, inclusion and flexibility. The case study section narrates the way in which this methodology has been applied in the turbulent environment of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. I argue that TFD, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) and Questionnaire methods were the triumvirate of approaches that allowed us to understand issues and for communities to listen to us. The challenge remains how to define and develop an enduring relationship between researchers, community and government who may have the wherewithal for action.