Participatory mapping with indigenous peoples : from conceptualization to implementation

Over the past few decades, participation has become orthodoxy and mapping has become necessity to the process of rural development. However, the utility of mapping and the effectiveness of participatory projects remain unclear. It is especially hard to find references exploring participation methods conceptually, or comparing different participatory mapping projects practically, in terms of their methods, techniques, processes, and evaluations.

This thesis offers a preliminary attempt at organizing the ideas of participation methods and participatory mapping literature. Beginning with a comprehensive review of these literatures, I conclude that the participatory approach should be a cyclical process, in order to mitigate the weaknesses described in many projects.

Building on these concepts, then, I propose a 3-dimensional framework for evaluating participation. The framework's three parts include: participation level, stakeholders, and the participation process. The focus of this thesis is on the process. Through a cyclical and continuous participation process, the sustainability of all participatory projects can be assured. Within the process, participatory mapping as part of the whole process is also cyclical itself. Therefore, a participatory mapping framework can be laid out using the same concepts and functions as a sub-set of the participation framework.

This participatory mapping framework is then applied to assess participatory mapping projects among indigenous peoples in Central America. The four case studies on which I chose to do in-depth analysis come from Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Belize. By applying the framework to these cases, it is hoped to draw on experiences from the case studies to identify common problems in participatory mapping, and to demonstrate the importance of viewing participation as a cyclical and continuous process.

The final discussion and conclusion in this research integrate the conceptual and practical sides of participatory research, and provide the key elements recommended for future project design.