Understanding Water Perceptions in Limpopo Province: A Photovoice Community Assessment

The authors implemented a modified photovoice project, Ngudo Nga Zwinepe (NNZ) (Learning through Photos), in a village in Limpopo Province, South Africa where water resources are scarce and often contaminated. This project is a first step in a collaboration between the University of Virginia and the University of Venda to develop a model for sustainable water, health and environmental development. NNZ engaged community representatives in an effort to assess and improve the community´s water system. These participants presented the study results to their community, promoting local buy-in. The research team used content analysis methodologies to develop codes and themes regarding water beliefs. Contrary to the researchers´ expectation, the participants did not prioritize the health risks of contaminated water over infrastructure and financing issues. To maintain community engagement throughout the larger project, the researchers must address the community´s primary concerns in the shorter-term while developing educational strategies regarding the health risks of contaminated water.