188 Forests
Sociodramas (continued)
➍ Discuss each sociodrama
Ask the actors to leave their props or
costumes in a pile at the front of the
room and return to the group. Then ask
questions that help the whole group to:
• tell what happened in the sociodrama.
Having the actors
“step out” of their
roles before beginning
the discussion prevents
people from labeling one
of the participants as
a villain or victim. It’s
important not to confuse
the person with the role
he or she plays.
• identify the actions that led to conflict.
• identify the different needs that were the root causes for the conflict.
• suggest ways the conflict could be resolved in the long term.
Repeat this process with each sociodrama. The facilitator may want to write the
important ideas on a large piece of paper or a chalkboard.
Q: What caused the conflict?
Q: Why did the man feel he had a right
to graze his cattle in the forest?
Q: How did the forest damage affect the
community?
Q: So what needs are in conflict?
Q: Is there a way for both needs to be
met?
A: One man wanted to keep cattle, but they
damaged the forest.
A: There was no agreement about who could
use the forest, and for what purposes.
A: No more medicine and thatch.
A: The need to have forest products and the
need to graze cattle.
A: The cattle could graze in areas with no
plants that the community needs.
A: The cattle owner could build a fence.
A: The owner of the cattle could give up his
right to collect forest products in exchange
for the right to graze his cattle, and then
trade for the forest products when he
needs them.
Q: Will solving this conflict lead to more
or less equality in the community?
If the discussion creates a lot of
disagreement, it is important to end in
a way that brings everyone together.
Singing a song together or doing a
cooperation activity can help people
leave with a better feeling.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012