EXPOSURE VISITS
Exposure visits are organised so that people living in one place can visit another location to
observe and learn from the other community’s development activities. The purpose of
exposure visits is to learn from the experience of others outside your own community, by
direct interaction. Participating communities may be a short distance from one another, or in
some cases, in different regions or even different countries.
Advantages of Exposure Visits
The visiting groups take very seriously
lessons which are learnt from people
who live in similar circumstances to
themselves.
Learning takes place in a real life
situation, which allows visiting
groups to ask questions about the
development activity being
implemented and get first hand
feedback.
It is practical, learning from
experience (not theoretical).
Often broader information exchanges
take place between the two groups,
beyond the core topic.
Maasai women in Kajiado District of Kenya visit
a near-by community to learn about donkey
harnessing. Practical Action East Africa
How to use Exposure Visits
To ensure a successful exchange visit, it is important that the visiting group is fully involved
in identifying the subject matter that they are interested in learning about. Development
organisations can help with finding suitable host communities but individual contacts and
experiences are also very useful.
Think carefully about how participants are chosen. They should represent the whole
community and be willing to share their new knowledge when they return from the
exposure visit.
Ensure that the visiting and host groups are both clear about the purpose of, and
arrangements for, the visit.
Prepare a programme for the visit. This makes it efficient and cost effective with regard
to transport, accommodation and other expenses.
Allow adequate time for discussions and demonstrations where necessary.
If the two communities speak a different language, a translator should be arranged in
advance.
Photographs, video or audio tape can be used to record the experience.
Consider the possibility of reciprocal visits or longer learning tours involving visits to
various locations.
Practical Action, The Schumacher Centre, Bourton on Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ, UK
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