Engagement as transformation

Jernsand, E.M. (2017). Engagement as transformation: Learnings from a tourism development project in Dunga by Lake Victoria, Kenya. Action Research, 15 (1), 81-99

Platform
Gothenburg Kisumu
Publication type
Scientific article (peer-reviewed)
Projects
SKILLs
Journal
Action Research
DOI
10.1177/1476750316678913
Author(s)
Eva-Maria Jernsand
Published year
Tags
participatory research action research tourism development learning loops transformation

 

Abstract

Participatory tourism development projects are considered effective and democratic since they engage people in interactive learning processes that change individuals and societies. In order to be transformative, a relational and social process must be acheived which challenges prior knowledge and beliefs. The purpose of this article is to explore engagement as a transformative feature of research and development practice. Three aspects of engagement are proposed through which higher learning loops and transformation can be enhanced: embodied and situated learning, relationship-building, and acknowledging and sharing power. These three aspects of engagement are explored through the case of developing an ecotourism site by Lake Victoria in Kenya.

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