Application of photovoice as a participatory visual methodology to document the realities and experiences with the right to food and food security among the urban poor in Nairobi, Kenya

<ns3:p>Background Photovoice is a powerful means of expression especially for vulnerable groups that may find it difficult to voice their issues in typical ways, such as those involving writings and additional literacies. This paper reports and reflects on our experiences of conducting photovoice with urban poor community members in a project focusing on exploring lived experiences with food insecurity and stimulating dialogue on the right to food, and identifying appropriate solutions to the actualization of this right. Methods Photovoice activities involved a series of sessions of capacity building and photographing where participants took and interpreted photographs to provide meaning and key views about their experiences with food insecurity and the right to food in the slum areas where they reside. The photovoice activities aimed to empower community members to document and share their own lived experiences and realities and to suggest practical solutions for addressing the challenges they face with food security. We examine the use of photovoice for empowering participants as well as the evidential potential of this method. Results Photovoice enabled the participants to be at the center of the public engagement activities, seeing issues from a different angle, and unearthing issues in their communities. Through photovoice, participants expressed and captured their food security situation. They captured food availability, access, quality, safety and nutrition aspects of the community. They explored coping strategies employed in the face of food insecurity in their communities. The photos elicited deeper dialogue on these issues, resulting in exploration of possible solutions and recommendations. Photovoice provided an opportunity for peer learning and information sharing among participants. Conclusion We argue that participation in photovoice activities enabled community participants to learn, share and critically reflect on their lived experiences and to give voice to their needs and priorities around food security and the right to food.</ns3:p>