Abstract:
This paper highlights the potential for basing participatory action research on priorities
identified by communities. The case builds on a research project by the Social Science
Medicine Africa Network (Soma-net) focusing on AIDS prevention among school youth
in Kajiado in Kenya during 2003–2006. It became clear from that study just how complex
it is to promote open communication on issues of sexuality considered critical for
sexual health promotion. Towards the end of that study a spin-off in the form of a
concept ‘‘a child, a tree’’ or tree planting evolved and the research thereafter continued as a partnership between the school community and the researchers. The focus then
was on understanding how health promotion could be integrated into other aspects of
community life. The concept and tree planting when implemented created a sense of
ownership among the pupils largely because they were placed at the centre of the
development activities. The story illuminates the nature of change developing in the
course of the project, but also the challenges and complexity of creating and maintaining
collaborative relations in the face of cultural and gender power dynamics and interventions
imposed from outside the community.
