Innovative Qualitative Methods Workshop

Climate resilience and sustainability research in Africa is growing across disciplines, from technological innovations to community-based adaptation strategies. However, most climate studies rely on traditional research methods like data modelling, surveys and interviews. While valuable, these methods often fail to capture the complex emotions and lived experiences of those most affected by climate change. Our team has been exploring more interactive research methods, such as storytelling, PhotoVoice and WhatsApp diaries, which allow marginalised communities to share their perspectives in ways that are familiar to them (e.g., social media, photos, phones, drama, podcasts). Despite the value of these approaches, African universities rarely offer training in them, making it hard for early-career researchers (ECRs) to use them in their work.

Through the Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund we will host a five-day workshop at the University of the Western Cape to train 15 African ECRs in participatory research methods. The workshop will be hands-on and practical, including a site visit where participants can apply what they learn in a real-world setting. The workshop is designed around a mentorship structure where participants will be grouped with a mentor who will meet with them before, during and after the workshop to help participants set research goals, build connections and apply the training to their own research.

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