Dangerous Peace Fieldwork Methodology.pptx

An overview of the perils of carrying out field work under conflict infested communities

1. DANGEROUS FIELDWORK METHODOLOGY Stephen Faleti PhD Institute for Peace & Strategic Studies University of Ibadan [email protected]

2. What is dangerous?

3. WHY RESEARCH IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS Something ‘unknown’ must be discovered, revealed, understood.

4. Approaches in qualitative social science research ‘ Formal’ methods (control, objectivity, even emotional detachment) interviews surveys focus group work Ethnographic fieldwork (immersion, reflexivity and rapport) participant observation

5. “Conducting qualitative research is a challenge in any environment, but in highly violent settings the obstacles to both successful outcomes and re­searcher safety are especially high. Not only are the usual problems that confront qualitative researchers intensified when fear and insecurity add to local people’s tendency to mistrust strangers asking questions; environments marked by high levels of criminal, political, and/or daily social violence require researchers to be constantly alert to threats to their own physical safety, and to the ways in which their research can imperil their subjects and collaborators .” –Goldstein, 2014

6. While some dangers will be obvious , such as people firing guns or waving knives, they may include more subtle things as well: being in the wrong place at the wrong time, witnessing an activity one shouldn’t, asking the wrong question of the wrong person, revealing the extent of one’s personal resources and equipment, inadvertently violating the unwritten codes that govern violent areas.

7. Sources of Danger Areas with high levels of violent crime characterized by random violence, including street crimes such as robbery and murder. In some areas, young people (especially males) are a particular threat, either individually or in groups, which might include youth gangs or packs of street children; Organized sources of criminal violence include drug gangs or mafias. Violence may also come from the state—the police, the military, or paramilitary units and agents Intimate violence perpetrated within the household esp. by male authority figures.

8. Researcher’s vulnerability to violence Identity (including race, age, or sexuality) Gender: female researchers may face threats ranging from jokes, innuendo, and inappropriate physical contact, sexual harassment and rape Travel —local or long distance: especially in areas where kidnapping for ransom is endemic

9. ‘ Fieldwork Under Fire ’ . Carolyn Nordstrom and Ton Robben, 1995, ‘Hustlers’ Corruption/Corrupt officials Drugs dealers/ Drug-Related Violence Gangs and Outlaws Occupational Hazards Sexual Harassment and Assault Physical threat, violence Fear/uncertainty (on frontline, conflict area, dictatorship) Being a female researcher: Contradiction in cultural perceptions Doing research in a ‘men’s world’ Ethical perspective (‘coming too close means identify with…’) Too much seduction (moral considerations)

10. Dangerous/Sensitive Research Research on high-risk topics (drug, corruption, insurgent/terrorist groups, criminal gangs/syndicates, cultural practices, arms trade, etc) Gathering data on communities that experience conflict Writing and publishing on difficult and sensitive issues Developing and implementing programs to deal with the needs of communities affected by violence as well as the wider conflicts in which those communities are embedded.

11. KEY ISSUES …1 Insider/Outsider perspectives Trying to collect fieldwork data in dangerous or difficult circumstances Value of data collected in chaotic, risky messy and chaotic circumstances Data collected at moments of fieldwork crisis may reflect the insider/outsider status of the researcher The constant sense that one ought to be more ‘in control’ of the situation than is really possible It is during ethnographic fieldwork that the possibility of danger and risk most commonly arises, yet this is the position of least control and enhanced emotional vulnerability. attempting to blend in and be as unobtrusive as possible in order to better explore the taken-for- grantedness of local routines, rituals, procedures and assumptions.

12. KEY ISSUES …2 In unfamiliar settings which carry an element of threat, the subject position of the researcher often seems far less secure and reassuring observational and incidental data gathered while the researcher is living in, or spending extended time in the field, is inevitably far less neat and logically ordered. Writing up fieldnotes relies on the frequently faulty device of memory The researcher may suffer from isolation, anxiety, stress and depression even in relatively straightforward fieldwork. In a qualitative research situation, the ethnographer is expected to be ‘simultaneously detached and yet intensely engaged ’

13. PREPARATION Context and risk analysis Risk assessment and risk reduction Emergency planning Trip planning, travel and transport Authorities / documents Culturally sensitive behaviour Accommodation Communications Health Stress management and wellbeing   

14. SECURITY : Fieldwork considerations before departure Discuss your trip with those it concerns (other researchers and assistants, family and friends): Going to an environment that is considered dangerous creates worries and insecurity for people at home especially if you are in a remote location with sporadic communications. Inquire in advance about availability of internet and telephone network in your area of research in order to keep expectations realistic about the possibilities of communicating home. Provide your contact persons with the necessary contact details and information about your trip before you leave. Confirm a key contact in case of emergency. Ensure that this person has the contact details of your family, coordinator or supervisor and your host organisation and vice versa. Obtain letters of invitation/authorisation as necessary. In some locations, the more official-looking documents you carry (from government, your university, local partners, etc.), the more seriously you will be taken by local officials. If you intend to drive, ensure to have a driver’s license. In the case of research abroad, register with the Embassy of your country or report to the Embassy to check in upon your arrival at your destination. Make photocopies of valuable documents (passport, airline tickets and driving license). Email scans of documents to yourself and keep them on an accessible drive so you have access to them whenever you need. Also email copies to key contacts. Arrange/plan for transportation and initial accommodation in the field. It is also a good idea to have contingency plans in place in case these are suddenly unavailable upon arrival. Inquire about the possibilities of cash dispensers (ATMs) in your area of research. In case there is none, inquire in time about the best way of bringing money and keeping it safe. Always keep some contingency cash.

15. SECURITY : Fieldwork considerations :Upon arrival Make sure you have made arrangements for collection on arrival, or that you have a clear plan as to how to travel to your destination safely and make contact with your host. When you arrive at the host organisation, ask for a security briefing and ask relevant questions. Orient yourself – if possible get a guided tour of the local area from your host. Familiarise yourself with any key locations/contacts. Ensure that you have memorised at least one emergency contact number. Other key contacts should be programmed into your phone AND carried on paper in case phone is lost/unusable.

16. SECURITY : Health considerations Take an up-to-date fist aid kit including basic medicines (Medicines, condoms, sanitary pads, sun block and other relevant items may not be available). If you use visual/auditory aid, take a spare pair. Have a medical check-up before you leave. Attend a basic fist aid course before departure, if you can. Ensure you are up to date with vaccinations. Check the availability of certain critical medications (anti-rabies/anti venom etc which even private hospitals may not stock. If you expect to go to areas where food availability may be an issue, take some vitamins/supplements. Think about how you will manage stress, and access coping mechanisms in the field. Take the time to adjust to the climate, eating or living habits. Its normal to experience minor inconveniences (stomach and sleeping problems), at the beginning of fieldwork. If working in severe weather conditions, remember the right kind of clothing and equipment can significantly reduce health problems.

17. SECURITY : Threats and risk reduction considerations Be familiar with routes from your accommodation to other key locations (host organisation, other contacts, hospitals etc.), and potential areas of unrest. As part of the context analysis and risk assessment, assess what are the main criminal threats within the environment where you will be visiting/working, and take appropriate measures to reduce the risk. Respect local advice on no-go areas, hours and types of transport to use or avoid and other measures to reduce risk of falling prey to criminals. If confronted with rising tension – crowds, mob violence, riots, protests, demonstrations, looting and so forth: Get yourself to safety as soon as possible and remain alert to the changing situation. Familiarize yourself with places and hours to avoid, and inquire about norms regarding traveling alone. Where possible, avoid being alone in high risk areas, travel with others, and take accommodation with trusted persons or hospitality service providers and take care when selecting accommodation. Take care when taking photographs. Gain consent from any subjects, and avoid photographing sensitive objects, people, and situations, including any government buildings or personnel. Be cautious about inquiring openly about and reporting on human rights’ incidents and abuses, especially if perpetrated by the military, police or groups that they support. Ensure that someone knows your travel plans, and that you call in on arrival. If you need to deviate from the planned route, let them know. Have an evacuation plan in advance. How you would rapidly leave the area if necessary for whatever reason (conflict, breakdown of law and order, natural disaster, targeted threat, disease or other health reasons)

18. 3-STEP RISK AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT Threat assessment : List all dangers and threats that you can forecast based on the previous study of the context, history, environment and current situation of the place to which you will travel. Vulnerability analysis: assess the likelihood of each threat occurring and the impact or effect that the possible occurrence would have. identify the most significant threats – those that pose the most significant risk to you and the research. Identify risk reduction measures : reduce exposure by employing appropriate security procedures and practice. Decide on the risk reduction measures that you plan to employ during your trip. If any of these require action by others, ensure that you liaise with and inform them.

19. “ BEHAVING ETHNOGRAPHICALLY ” Wherever people live with violence, they: develop strategies for managing the risks to their safety and well being. develop mental maps of their environs, knowing where it is safe to be and at what times of the day, and which areas one must habitually avoid. know who controls certain spaces know what subjects are off limits for conversation have their own nuanced language for oblique discussions of dangerous topics If payoffs are required—either for access or for freedom of movement without fear of harassment—they know whom to pay and how much.

20. STAYING SAFE Establish­ a “safety protocol” prior to fieldwork; anticipate safety issues such as ease of entry and egress Arrange exit strategies in case of danger, establish code words to alert others to danger, and maintain communications with others outside the field who can monitor your safety Establish your “safety zone” by arranging for trusted people to provide “soft landing” “Scope out” research locations in advance Role-play potential safety risks in trial runs and check interview guides carefully for possibly provocative ques­tions Utilise locally recognized guides who can provide others with the necessary contextualization of your research

21. THANK YOU AND STAY SAFE