Round of conversation on landslide disaster risks in the Rocinha favela (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): experiences of struggle, resistance, knowledge and art

Abstract

Landslide disasters are often the result of an unequal socio-spatial organization, characterized by the rapid and haphazard occupation of susceptible areas. Such adverse events primarily affect poor populations with a high degree of vulnerability, while their social demands are often neglected by local authorities. This paper presents and discusses the use of the round-of-conversation method for knowledge and information exchange between academics and representatives of the exposed population in the community of Rocinha, a favela in Rio de Janeiro. It is an adaptation of the photovoice method for the promotion of debates between academics from the fields of anthropology, engineering and sociology, and residents, and was complemented by an artistic intervention. The round-of-conversation method contributed to the empowerment of the participants by providing a forum for reflective interaction based on experiences of struggle, resistance and knowledge production. Therefore, the images used during the experience stimulated the discussions on topics such as resettlement, local policies and solidarity among the inhabitants. Lastly, the artistic perspective translated the debate into the creation of a piece of graffiti art, which remained in the community as a legacy.