On Wednesday Jeff Mariner talked about 'participatory epidemiology' and explained how villagers are central to disease detection and control efforts. Patti Kristjanson then referred to her earlier participatory work in Uganda and Kenya where community members provided current and historical information that enabled researchers to better understand how people got into and out of poverty.
'By probing for information, we gain knowledge, said Patti. We definitely need more participatory research. Yes, it is more ethical to involve the communities, but now researchers are also recognizing the major benefits that come from participatory approaches and tapping into indigenous knowledge. This includes faster and better results on the ground, for example when detecting disease outbreaks, better understanding of the local context and greater sensitivity to social and cultural issues, and more sustainable solutions for example in cases where community members decide to continue certain activities after researchers leave.'
And so we are reminded of an African saying "If you want to go fast - go alone. If you want to go far - go together" But what if you want to go fast AND far? Perhaps this is the role for the new generation of African scientists?
And so we are reminded of an African saying "If you want to go fast - go alone. If you want to go far - go together" But what if you want to go fast AND far? Perhaps this is the role for the new generation of African scientists?
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