Somalia Field Research: Importance of Local Knowledge

8 Questions

Match the following people with their roles:

The author = Leading a field research team The Somali driver = Navigating through unmarked roads The young woman = Conducting interviews The respected religious scholar = Sharing sad news

Match the following events with their consequences:

Getting lost = Feeling uneasy Meeting the two men = Getting warnings about sensitive areas Receiving sad news = Prioritizing safety Relying on GPS = Having spotty internet connection

Match the following technologies with their limitations:

GPS = Limited by spotty internet connection Internet = Unreliable in rural areas Local knowledge = Essential for navigating unmarked roads Rifles = Carried by the two men

Match the following emotions with their triggers:

Unease = Realizing being lost Relief = Recognizing one of the men Gratitude = Receiving directions from the men Determination = Regrouping after the encounter

Match the following actions with their purposes:

Asking for directions = Getting back on course Explaining the situation = Getting warnings about sensitive areas Thanking the men = Showing gratitude Retracing steps = Prioritizing safety

Match the following people with their contributions:

The Somali driver = Navigating through unmarked roads The young woman = Recognizing one of the men The two men = Providing warnings about sensitive areas The research team = Gathering data diligently

Match the following events with their outcomes:

Wandering into a sensitive area = Feeling shaken Meeting the two men = Getting relief Receiving warnings = Prioritizing safety Regrouping = Staying focused on gathering data

Match the following realizations with their implications:

The importance of local knowledge = Relying less on technology The challenges of relying on technology = Using GPS with caution The significance of safety = Prioritizing it over research The uncertainty of rural areas = Being prepared for unexpected events

Study Notes

Field Research in Somalia

The author led a field research team in Dusamareeb, Somalia, where they used GPS to navigate through countryside roads due to poor internet connection.
The team relied on a local Somali driver who knew the area well to navigate through unmarked roads.

Getting Lost

The team realized they were off course due to the lack of familiar landmarks in the vast landscape.
Two men carrying rifles appeared, signaling the team to stop, causing concern and silence among the team members.
A young woman from the region recognized one of the men, establishing a connection and easing the tension.

Local Knowledge and Safety

The men shared the tragic news of a respected religious scholar and his wife being killed a few days prior, highlighting the importance of being aware of local events.
The team recognized the need to prioritize safety and thanked the men for their warning, following their directions to safer areas.
The experience emphasized the importance of thorough safety briefings and collaborating with local guides in fragile security situations.

Team Resilience

Despite the unsettling encounter, the team stayed focused on gathering data and worked tirelessly throughout the day.
The author was impressed by the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected obstacles.
The experience demonstrated the importance of working closely with local communities and the dedication of field research teams to their work.