Using a co-created transdisciplinary approach to explore the complexity of air pollution in informal settlements

• DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00969-6
• Publication Date: 2021-11-19T11:02:57Z
• Authors: Sarah E. West; Cressida J. Bowyer; William Apondo; Patrick Büker; Steve Cinderby; Cindy M. Gray; Matthew Hahn; Fiona Lambe; Miranda Loh; Alexander Medcalf; Cassilde Muhoza; Kanyiva Muindi; Timothy Kamau Njoora; Marsailidh M. Twigg; Charlotte Waelde; Anna Walnycki; Megan Wainwright; Jana Wendler; Mike Wilson; Heather D. Price
• Keywords: Settlement (finance); Human settlement

Abstract We present novel co-created transdisciplinary research that uses arts and humanities methods to explore air pollution in an informal settlement (Mukuru) Nairobi, Kenya. Air is a well-documented major human health issue, but despite many reduction interventions designed improve health, these are frequently ineffective. Often this because they fail account for local knowledge, cultural practices priorities of the intended recipients. Designing solutions therefore requires in-depth exploration relevant issues with stakeholders. Researchers worked collaboratively residents develop range understandings including interviews, storytelling, participatory mapping theatre. Together, we uncovered contrasting definitions pollution, differing perceptions who was responsible enacting solutions, overall view cannot be seen isolation from other faced by residents. The used also allowed us communicate about topic wide audience. While acknowledge approach more time consuming than traditional approaches, urge researchers wishing address multifactorial problems, such as use mixture qualitative, creative engage stakeholders elicit new unexpected may not otherwise emerge.