Finding that ‘Eureka’ moment:the importance of conducting detailed field-research in Africa

Neimark, Benjamin (2012) Finding that ‘Eureka’ moment:the importance of conducting detailed field-research in Africa. African Geographical Review, 31 (1). pp. 76-79. ISSN 2163-2642

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Abstract

In 2005–2006, I conducted 14 months of fieldwork on the political economy of bio-prospecting in Madagascar. I was in the deep south of Madagascar investigating the industrial production of the prized medicinal plant, rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus). The goal of my research was to examine how foreign pharmaceutical companies gain and maintain access to the plant and if Malagasy benefited from the trade. During that time I had the unusual opportunity to observe a sacrificial ram ceremony. In the moment, the sacrifice seemed irrelevant to my work. It was quick and before I knew it, it was over and the local periwinkle collectors were getting back to the hustle and bustle of market day. It did not seem very significant to any of them, so I let it pass as well. However, after a full review of my data back home, I realized that the sacrifice was one in a series of ‘mechanisms of access’ that companies will employ to overcome the social barriers to production and continue the flow of periwinkle out of the area. Drawing on my own experiences in Madagascar, I describe the importance of keeping detailed field notes to the success of the overall research project.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
African Geographical Review
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3305
Subjects:
?? FIELDWORKBIO\-PROSPECTING POLITICAL ECOLOGY MADAGASCAR AFRICAEARTH-SURFACE PROCESSESGEOGRAPHY, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ??
ID Code:
69703
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
18 Jun 2014 08:00
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
16 Sep 2023 01:05