[Last modified: October, 8 2024 06:13 PM]
Topic/themes:
Exploration of alternative (e.g. local, indigenous) epistemologies and ontologies in relating to the world, specifically in the diverse ways nature is perceived and consequent conservation is practiced. Using the approach of political ecology.
Research Question:
How are different epistemologies of nature and methods of conservation amongst diverse actors contested in Nairobi, Kenya? Top down vs bottom up?
Methods:
- Art (drawing, painting), photography, video, audio — I believe ethnographic art has the potential to break down barriers between the anthropologist and their interlocutors, act as the first point of immersion and interpretation for the anthropologist. The methods of photography, video and audio are essential in capturing the essence of realities that otherwise cannot be captured through words alone.
- Walking in natural environments with interlocutors — movement offers a fruitful opportunity for dynamic dialogue, processing of thoughts and creative thinking. Moreover, walking in natural environments allows one to observe what people are interested in, where they are drawn to — thereby understanding the environment through their lens.
- Hanging out
- Interviews
- Conservation organization data analysis
Potential findings:
There are multiple and diverse ways that people interpret and relate to the environment, with local perceptions differing considerably from top-down understandings. This has political consequences for how conservation is practiced in Kenya.
Relevancy:
The area now known as Kenya has always been the home of rich and diverse natural environments. Although the country has experienced rapid development in the past 100 years, it still nurtures a great amount of natural environment — owing to persistent environmental and conservation efforts and the country’s high reliance on environmental tourism. These are nonetheless in constant risk as the force of modernity continues its offense. Therefore, there are diverse groups of people in both Nairobi and Kenya who have long been engaged in working with, nurturing, protecting and conserving the natural environment in diverse ways.
However, conservation efforts have tended to be dominated by top-down approaches influenced by modern development’s conceptions and practice, rooted in the country’s settler colonial history. Consequently there has been rising concern about local people’s history, livelihoods, rights and knowledge in these natural environments that require further attention.
What are the possibilities of this knowledge to improve socio-ecological wellbeing?
Ethics:
Uncovering the layers of the politics of conservation to work towards a more equal and cohesive socio-ecological context.
Literature:
West, P. (2005) “Translation, Value and Space: Theorizing an Ethnographic and Engaged Environmental Anthropology.” American Anthropologist Vol 207, Issue 4.