Why participation matters for air quality studies: risk perceptions, understandings of air pollution and mobilization in a poor neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya

- Urban air quality is worsening in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- We make a case for participatory approaches in air quality studies.
- We focus on vulnerable communities in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Participation helped residents improve their understanding of air pollution.
- Participatory studies are a way to increase awareness and support local action.

ObjectivesWith high urbanization rates, Sub-Saharan Africa is facing growing problems of poor air quality in its cities. We make a case for participatory approaches in air quality studies especially including those living in poor neighborhoods who may be particularly at risk from this trend.Study designWe used collaboration with a community based organization, interviews, focus group discussions and a community forum.MethodsWe conducted a pilot study to assess health risk perceptions of air pollution for civic-minded residents in Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Simultaneously, we involved Mathare residents in measuring levels of PM2.5 and later presented these data at a community forum with the participants of the monitoring study and the focus group discussions.ResultsWe found that participation in conducting and interpreting air quality studies helped residents improve their understanding of air pollution and also helped them develop responses to it. Initially, participants associated air pollution with a bad odor or discomfort rather than their health, but once the connection to health was made through participation, they sought more information about air quality data and its hazards. Some residents also came up with strategies for coping with their environment and its risks.ConclusionsThese results point to the potential of including participation in air quality monitoring as a way to increase awareness and support local action to address it. Discussion and sharing of results at the local level as well as at a wider policy level will be critical for advocacy to improve air quality.