Aerial Imagery as a Window into Local Wisdom for Community Development: A Case Study from Rural Paraguay

Community development approaches worldwide are frequently designed and implemented without local input, especially in rural areas; top-down, decontextualized strategies and methods lead to outcomes that can be resource inefficient and unsustainable. This case study introduces Demos (Drone-enhanced modeling of scenarios), an innovative methodological approach that aims to articulate local wisdom in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities). Based on open-ended questions, Demos’ first pilot implementation shows promising evidence to convert drone imagery into realistic 3D fly-overs that could unlock a diverse range of participant insights about community development. As a relatively low-cost alternative, Demos enables researchers to deepen participant engagement, enrich qualitative data, and complement traditional techniques. While multiple ethical and logistical hurdles surround the use of drones in social science research, an appropriately designed workflow can be helpful in mitigating these challenges. By repositioning local wisdom to its rightful status as an indispensable source for community development, Demos contributes to strengthening sustainable approaches in similar rural contexts around the globe.