Samual Miller
DHI Cutler Scholar
Local Knowledge Climate Change Adaptation Project, Tanzania, Gaurav Sinha

“While in Tanzania, I initially focused my attention on the mapping component of the project, understanding the importance of flexibility and patience. Alongside a team of researchers and local participants, I participated in numerous sketch-mapping and field-mapping activities. During the sketch-mapping phase, local participants used a copy of the village map to geographically display places of unique significance. Mapped locations varied from malfunctioning water pumps, different seasonal grazing areas for livestock, to proposed sites of micro-dams and other projects the local’s wished to begin...

Working as a member of a research team was an eye-opening experience. My knowledge and curiosity expanded in many ways. From previous experiences in developing nations, I knew ahead of time that patience and flexibility would be essential for a positive and successful experience. Sure, maybe some things didn’t pan out to what I imagined, but it seemed like every day would bring a new challenge and something valuable to be learned.

The language barrier was definitely a hindrance for my participation at times. Even with the presence of several faculty members who fluently speak Kiswahili, as well our bi-lingual project coordinator, not being able to communicate with a majority of the local people could be considered frustrating at times. However, while working in the secondary schools, I was able to communicate with most of the students (in Tanzania, students begin learning English in secondary school), which was a pleasant relief. While with the students, I explained to them what our research was trying to accomplish, and taught them how to use GPS devices and digital cameras so they could document the changes they observed across the land…"

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