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

This research uses a co-created transdisciplinary approach, incorporating arts and humanities methods, to explore air pollution in Mukuru, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. The study challenges the ineffectiveness of traditional air pollution reduction interventions by centering local knowledge, cultural practices, and priorities. Through interviews, storytelling, participatory mapping, and theatre, researchers and residents collaboratively uncovered contrasting definitions of air pollution, differing perceptions of responsibility for solutions, and the interconnectedness of air pollution with other settlement challenges. The methods facilitated communication with a wide audience. While acknowledging the time-intensive nature of this approach, the authors advocate for qualitative, participatory, and creative methods to address complex issues like air pollution, eliciting understandings that might otherwise remain hidden.

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