Empowering Favela Residents Through Citizen-Generated Data
In the densely populated Maré favela complex of Rio de Janeiro, where over 140,000 residents lack access to basic sanitation, a grassroots project called Cocôzap is making waves. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by the non-profit organization data_labe, is harnessing the power of community-generated data to drive change and advocate for improved water, waste, and sewage services.
Bridging the Data Gap in Marginalized Communities
Maré’s residents have long faced the consequences of state neglect, with limited access to official data on the state of their sanitation infrastructure. Cocôzap emerged in 2018 as a direct response to this challenge, providing a platform for residents to report and document their everyday sanitation struggles.
Through a simple WhatsApp number, community members can share photos, videos, and detailed accounts of issues such as overflowing sewers, lack of water access, and improper waste disposal. This crowd-sourced data is then meticulously cataloged, georeferenced, and visualized on an online map, creating a comprehensive and transparent record of the community’s sanitation realities.
“The absence of official information makes this process a potential catalyst for improving sanitation structures, enabling mobilization strategies and supporting public policies aimed at favelas,” explains Gilberto Vieira, co-founder and director of data_labe.
Amplifying Resident Voices Through Advocacy
By elevating the voices and experiences of Maré’s residents, Cocôzap becomes more than just a data collection exercise. It serves as a powerful advocacy tool, empowering the community to demand action from local authorities and hold them accountable.
The project team, composed of young researchers, designers, and community members, regularly engages with neighborhood associations, health centers, and schools to disseminate the complaint channel and foster an ongoing dialogue about sanitation-related health concerns. This community-driven approach ensures that the data collected reflects the real-world experiences and priorities of those living in the favela.
“Our aim is that discussions stimulated by Cocôzap generate an impetus for more grounded policies, supported by evidence from those who experience the extremes of the local reality,” says Vieira.
Amplifying Impact Through Partnerships and Funding
Cocôzap’s success is further bolstered by its strategic partnerships and funding sources. The project has received support from international philanthropic foundations, such as the Heinrich Boell Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, and the Ford Foundation, as well as the UK Embassy and the Casa Socio-Environmental Fund.
These partnerships have not only provided crucial financial resources but have also enabled the project to establish collaborations with national and international universities, further strengthening its research and advocacy capabilities.
In 2021, Cocôzap’s innovative approach was recognized by the Banco do Brasil Foundation, which awarded the project the title of “social technology.” This accolade serves as a testament to the project’s potential for replication and scalability, as it develops a methodology for sharing its citizen data generation model with other organizations and communities.
Catalyzing Change Through Citizen-Generated Data
Cocôzap’s impact extends beyond the immediate improvement of sanitation conditions in Maré. By empowering residents to become active participants in the data collection and advocacy process, the project is challenging traditional power dynamics and redefining the role of citizens in shaping public policy.
“Cocôzap has solidified its position as a guiding light for other organizations and groups in Rio de Janeiro, developing a methodology for replicating the project in other locations under the concept of ‘Citizen Data Generation,’” says Vieira.
Embracing Participatory Methodologies for Social Change
The project’s commitment to participatory methodologies is a crucial aspect of its transformative potential. By inviting residents to contribute to the collection and analysis of data about their own community, Cocôzap is creating a model for bottom-up, community-driven development.
This approach not only ensures the data reflects the lived experiences of marginalized communities but also fosters a sense of ownership and agency among participants. As residents become actively involved in documenting and addressing their sanitation challenges, they gain a deeper understanding of their rights and the mechanisms for advocating for change.
Bridging the Gap Between Data and Storytelling
Cocôzap’s unique strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend quantitative data with emotive narratives. The project’s website and social media channels feature a wealth of infographics, podcasts, and news articles that bring the community’s sanitation struggles to life, resonating with a wider audience beyond the confines of the favela.
“The project also supports the production of reports, published in the community newspaper and in widely circulated sources, which share the stories of residents, bringing to life the data collected by the project,” says Vieira.
This strategic integration of data and storytelling amplifies the project’s impact, ensuring that the experiences and demands of Maré’s residents are heard and understood by policymakers, the media, and the general public.
Replicating the Cocôzap Model for Broader Impact
As Cocôzap continues to inspire and empower residents of Maré, the project’s innovative approach has caught the attention of organizations and communities beyond Rio de Janeiro. The project’s methodology for citizen data generation is being actively disseminated, offering a blueprint for replicating the model in other marginalized areas facing similar challenges.
“Cocôzap has already blazed a remarkable trail. In addition, it has established partnerships with national and international universities through research and collaboration projects,” says Vieira.
Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
By sharing its learnings and best practices, Cocôzap is contributing to a growing movement of community-led data initiatives that are challenging the status quo and giving voice to those traditionally excluded from decision-making processes.
The project’s emphasis on capacity-building and collaboration has led to the development of a network of “Cocôzap Ambassadors” – residents from different parts of Maré who have been trained to disseminate the project and consolidate the data collection efforts.
This model of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and community empowerment is a key driver of Cocôzap’s potential for replication and scalability, as it ensures the methodology is tailored to the specific needs and contexts of each new location.
Expanding the Reach of Citizen-Generated Data
As the Cocôzap model gains momentum, its impact has the potential to extend beyond the realm of sanitation, addressing a wide range of community-level issues through the power of citizen-generated data.
“The methodology has been systematized and is being disseminated to other organizations in the city and beyond,” says Vieira, hinting at the project’s aspirations to become a model for data-driven community engagement and advocacy across various sectors.
By positioning residents as active agents of change, Cocôzap is not only improving sanitation conditions in Maré but also advancing a broader vision of inclusive, participatory development that empowers marginalized communities to shape their own narratives and demand accountability from local authorities.
Conclusion: Embracing the Transformative Potential of Citizen-Generated Data
Cocôzap’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven data initiatives. By bridging the gap between marginalized residents and the decision-makers responsible for their well-being, the project is shaking up traditional power structures and paving the way for more equitable, sustainable, and responsive public policies.
As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development continues to emphasize the critical role of citizen engagement and data-driven decision-making, the Cocôzap model offers a promising blueprint for communities around the world to take ownership of their development and advocate for the change they deserve.
Through its innovative approach to data collection, storytelling, and advocacy, Cocôzap is not only improving sanitation conditions in Maré but also inspiring a broader movement of citizens empowered to drive the change they wish to see in their communities. By elevating the voices and experiences of those long marginalized, this grassroots project is a shining example of the transformative potential of citizen-generated data.
