Participatory video for nutrition training for farmers in Malawi

Abstract

This paper explores how participatory video can improve the knowledge and adoption of nutrition and food preparation practices among smallholder farmers in Malawi. Using a pretestposttest quasi-experimental design, this study found that the participatory video method improved the participants' knowledge as much as the traditional demonstration method. Short-term adoption tests were carried out 7-10 days after the training. The extent of short-term adoption of the technique varied by the training topic. For egg-coated nsima, the overall short-term adoption rate was a little over 60% across the groups, while the rate for egg-coated pumpkin flower was around 32%. This rate for the former practice was significantly lower in the video group (50.9%) than in the traditional demonstration group (75.6%) mainly because the participants were unable to taste and smell the food during the video training. The adoption rate for the latter practice was similar between the two groups.

Ghanaian Female Adolescents Perceived Changes in Nutritional Behaviors and Social Environment After Creating Participatory Videos: A Most Significant Change Evaluation

“…The concept of critical nutrition literacy is associated with cognitive and social skills to: 1 ) think critically about the merit and application of nutrition information and to implement change in personal nutrition behavior and lifestyle, and 2 ) to exercise one's agency to address obstacles to behavior change through increased engagement in social action ( 8 ). Our results are consistent with research highlighting the influence of PV on participants’ personal behavior – the first component of critical nutrition literacy ( 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ). There are no published studies on the influence of a PV nutrition intervention on participants’ engagement in social action – the second component of critical nutrition literacy.…”

“…The results of 2 studies showed the important role of participatory activities in amplifying the influence of PVs. Cai et al ( 19 ) looked at the influence of locally made nutrition videos on audience members’ knowledge and behavior in comparison to a more participatory live food demonstration. Their results showed that although watching a PV increased knowledge, it did not improve change in nutrition behavior as much as live demonstrations ( 19 ).…”

“…Cai et al ( 19 ) looked at the influence of locally made nutrition videos on audience members’ knowledge and behavior in comparison to a more participatory live food demonstration. Their results showed that although watching a PV increased knowledge, it did not improve change in nutrition behavior as much as live demonstrations ( 19 ). Kadiyala et al ( 20 ) evaluated 3 nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions in a 4-arm cluster randomized controlled trial in rural India on maternal and child dietary outcomes.…”