Experiences and ethics of mindful reciprocity while conducting research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Conducting research in much of the Global South often involves engagement with communities, groups and even field staff living and working in constrained material conditions. As researchers from the USA with field experience in East Africa, we consider in this paper various aspects of reciprocity, mutual benefit and ethical engagement between researcher, respondents, host communities, and staff. With a focus on three stakeholder groups, we explore the challenges and rewards of implementing an ethical exchange of information, gifts and mentorship as well as the nuances of negotiating and articulating responsibilities and expectations. We offer general guidance informed by personal experiences to elucidate these lessons, their impacts on the outcomes of the research, and the implicit ethics behind mindful reciprocity as academics.

Keywords:

• Uganda
• ethical research
• fieldwork
• Africa