Learning how to navigate research in Zambia

When Efe and I initially began contacting stakeholders for interviews, we used emails and phone calls in an attempt to reach them. However, we were met with very few responses. We became increasingly frustrated and wondered why organizations were not responding to us. However, we overcame this difficulty by pursuing a different strategy: WhatsApp. This method of communication proved to be much more effective, given that almost all Zambians use WhatsApp. After sending messages to stakeholders via WhatsApp, we received responses almost instantly. From there on, we were able to schedule interviews in a very timely manner.

After having scheduled interviews, we found that finding the physical location of the interviews often proved to be a challenge. Many organizations either did not list an address online, or the address listed was incorrect. When we asked stakeholders for their address, they often replied with a plot number and a street name. The plot numbers were not entirely helpful, as many places do not have their numbers visibly listed. Thus, after arriving at the proper street, it sometimes took us a while and directions from passerby to find the organizations.

We found that flexibility and patience are the keys to success throughout this research experience. It may take a sustained effort that involves contacting the same stakeholder several times before receiving a response. Doing so with patience helps to keep tempers calm and allows you to continually move forward with your research.

In my previous work experiences, I was typically supervised by a person who would provide me with consistent guidance and support. Working at Sani has been a different experience from I what I am used to, as my boss is very busy and often unable to help guide us through our research. While in the beginning of the summer Efe and I attempted to meet with our boss often but our efforts failed, we have since adjusted and taken the research into our own hands. I’ve shifted my feeling of frustration to now view this independence as an opportunity for Efe and I explore subtopics within our research that we enjoy.

Limited wifi has additionally pushed me to become more flexible when working. When at Cornell, I typically work in the comfort of my room where the wifi is readily available. However, because we do not have wifi at Abundant Life, I’ve had to alter my working style and conduct research while at Sani or local coffee shops. Doing so was frustrating at first because I had grown accustomed to working from the comfort of my room in the U.S., but the change of scenery has actually been a nice experience. It allows me to separate work from home: when I go back to Abundant Life, I am able to relax completely and take a break from work. Likewise, I spend my time during the day more wisely as I recognize that I only have a limited number of hours to finish my work.

Before this experience, I tended to work very independently and not seek help, even when I needed it. After having worked in Zambia for six weeks, I’ve learned to be more vocal with both my colleagues and supervisors as I ask more clarifying questions and request their perspectives on topics. I’ve discovered the strength and power that rests in group collaboration as I interact with the members of my cohort and learn from their unique perspectives.