RiDNet Navigating Fieldwork in Different Cultures and Contexts - Workshop 1 Africa

The Researchers in Development PhD Network (RiDNet) is a multi-disciplinary, cross-faculty network for PhD and early career researchers working in international development at the University of Leeds. Many of RiDNet members undertake fieldwork overseas in different cultures and contexts. Fieldwork is an exciting part of many PhD journeys, but there is also a certain degree of 'unknown' when travelling to a new place and having to navigate different environments.

As part of our practical brownbag workshops, we are organising a series of workshops entitled 'Navigating Fieldwork in Different Cultures and Contexts'. The idea is to help students who are about to embark on fieldwork in different and/or 'unknown' environments to hear from researchers who have already been to those contexts/regions, who would share experiences and reflections from their fieldwork in cultures and contexts that were new to them - and what they learnt through the process. This first workshop will take place on Friday 27th January 10-12pm UK Time & will focus on the African continent. We have 4 speakers who have experience of working in different regions of Africa:

1. Hellen Msemo, University of Leeds - East Africa

2. Marta Gaworek-Michalczenia, University of Leeds - East Africa

3. Mariam Zaqout, University of Leeds/UCL - South Africa

4. Clement Sefa-Nyarko, La Trobe University, Melbourne Victoria Australia - West Africa

Each speaker will present (~10-15mins) in turn to provide an overview of the practicalities of doing research in different cultural contexts - for example navigating power dynamics, learning what is culturally appropriate in terms of greeting different members of the community, and accepting invitations so as not to offend. The presentations will then be followed by breakout groups (~15mins) per region. This will give participants the opportunity to ask direct and more relevant questions. The breakout groups will then re-join for a summary and close. We will hold the event online so that those not in Leeds can attend. Please register for this first workshop via this form. Once registered, you will receive a calendar invite with Teams link.

The second workshop will take place in February and will focus on South/Central America, with a third workshop planned for March to focus on Asia.