Participant Perspectives and Researchers’ Methodological Reflections on a Photovoice Project Conducted in a Malawian Informal Settlement

This paper reports on a photovoice process conducted in an informal settlement in southern Malawi, in a study that explored
the use of solid fuels and household air pollution. Drawing on principles of double hermeneutics and reflexivity, we present
both participants’ perspectives, gathered through a focus group with nine photovoice participants conducted at the end of
the study, and the research team’s reflections, to offer methodological insights for conducting ethical, inclusive photovoice
research in informal settlements. Participants reflected that they gained valuable knowledge, built community connections,
and developed new skills while contributing meaningfully to research. They also reported challenges in participating in
photovoice, including community suspicions of research motives, managing community expectations, and navigating issues
arising from taking photographs in the community. Through this iterative dialogue between researchers’ reflexivity and
participants’ reflections, we identify nine key lessons for the conduct of photovoice: building close researcher-participant
relationships; clarifying roles and expectations early; providing comprehensive training; maintaining manageable participant
numbers; ensuring meaningful and interactive dissemination; addressing ethical issues adaptively; considering
sociocultural contexts; systematically seeking participants’ feedback; and maintaining reflexivity throughout. This
methodological paper addresses critical gaps in photovoice literature by critically examining the challenges and advantages
of conducting photovoice in sub-Saharan African informal settlements, where few studies have done so. We provide practical
guidance for researchers wishing to undertake photovoice in similar contexts, whether in Africa or elsewhere.