Positive Deviance approach is based on the observation that in any community there are people that practice uncommon but successful strategies that enable them to find better solutions to a problem than their peers, despite facing similar challenges and having no extra resources. The following resources help you to understand how to use such insights to address a range of barriers to promoted behaviours (especially related to health and nutrition). Let us know if you think that an important resource is missing.
Video Introduction to the Positive Deviance Approach
2014, TEDx Talks
This short Ted Talk by the co-author of the Positive Deviance approach explains its origins, main principles and provides practical examples illustrating its use.
Basic Field Guide to the Positive Deviance Approach
2010, Tufts University
This basic guide is to orient newcomers to the Positive Deviance approach and provide the essential tools to get started. It includes a brief description of basic definitions, as well as the guiding principles, steps, and process characteristics.
Positive Deviance for Nutrition: A grassroots approach to reduce and prevent malnutrition
2018, People in Need (PIN)
This document explains the key steps for implementing the Positive Deviance approach in nutrition programming and documents the learning from People in Need's global programming.
Book Review: The Power of Positive Deviance
2016, Oxfam
Review of a very well rated book The Power of Positive Deviance that reflects on over 20 years of experience in developing and using the Positive Deviance approach.
Positive Deviance Hearth Volunteer Training Manual
2014, World Vision
This training manual contains the information needed to train community volunteers on using the Positive Deviance (PD)/Hearth approach. The training aims to ensure that the PD/Hearth volunteers are competent and confident to guide and support caregivers to rehabilitate their malnourished children and prevent future malnutrition. Most sessions involve hands-on practice of the skills and...
Job Aids for PD Hearth Volunteer Training
2016, World Vision
Job Aids to accompany the Positive Deviance Hearth Volunteer Training.
Handouts for PD Hearth Volunteer Training
2016, World Vision
Handouts to accompany the Positive Deviance Hearth Volunteer Training Manual.
Positive Deviance/Hearth: A Resource Guide for Sustainably Rehabilitating Malnourished Children
2003, CORE Group
This publication provides very useful guidance on using the Positive Deviance/Hearth approach to preventing and addressing child undernutrition. The approach is based on identifying positive behaviors practiced by the mothers or caretakers of well-nourished children from poor families and transferring such positive practices to others in the community with malnourished children. The...