Researching the rural: a Mzungu loose in Africa

This chapter explores what have emerged as key factors in designing, conducting and analysing field research data, bringing a gendered perspective to literature on field research within international development. The chapter reflects on overall fieldwork considerations as a foreign white ‘western’ woman researching within international development, and some of the generalisations, and oversights that accompany this ‘position.’ Key themes include researcher positionality, methodological reflections and power relations, and finally a reflexive look at what being a female researcher in international development in Africa has meant.