Researching the rural: A Mzungu loose in Africa

Abstract

The process of conducting fieldwork in any context outside one’s own home environment consists of multiple layers of engagement. The first is our own experience and interactions as human beings, as friends, colleagues, neighbours, and most often, initially as strangers in any environment. A second layer of focus or engagement, and one that is often of significant interest to one’s host institution (or at least its ethics committee) is issues of risk and safety. Our role in any given community is driven by a sense of trust and identity. Who are we, why are we there, are we somebody worthy of attention or time? The way we conduct research (and ourselves) is driven by academic standards and ethical standards, yet at the same time we must navigate unfamiliar terrain, unfamiliar customs and frequently unfamiliar language.