Fostering agency in marginalized communities: participatory methodologies and tools for territorial development

Fonte  Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive. Roma: Edizioni Universitarie Romane.

In marginalized communities, fostering agency is an essential factor in addressing inequalities and stimulating local planning initiatives. This paper aims to investigate participatory methodologies and digital tools designed to promote the active engagement of local stakeholders and enhance their capacity to drive transformation processes within their own environments. The analysis adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Community-Centered Design (CCD), Needs Mapping (NM), and Design Thinking (DT) to develop co-design models aimed at empowerment and territorial development. Through selected case studies conducted in southeastern Salento communities, we examine how technologies and inclusive educational practices can strengthen the agency of citizens, groups, and institutions, optimizing local resources and contributing to sustainable territorial development.