Fieldwork

Let's dive into our worked example: a water quality survey at Kitengela River. First, we ask a clear research question: Is the water at Kitengela River safe for livestock? This gives us a focus for everything we do next. To answer that, we plan our fieldwork: draw a simple site map, get consent from the local farmer, and create a checklist of measurements we need to take. Here's a placeholder map showing where we'll collect samples—upstream, mid‑river, and downstream—so we can compare conditions along the stretch. During the survey we record pH, turbidity, and note any community observations like odd smells or animal behavior. These data points let us assess water safety. Finally, we do a brief analysis: if the pH is within 6.5‑8.5 and turbidity is low, we can conclude the water is likely safe for livestock, otherwise we recommend further testing. Any questions so far? Remember, a good research question guides every step of the investigation.

Class, let's dive into Worked Example 2: Mapping Neighborhood Resources. First, the guiding question: How are essential services distributed in my ward? Think about the places you travel to every day—your school, the health centre, the nearest market. Where are they clustered, and where are there gaps? Next, the tools we'll use: a hand‑drawn map of the ward and GPS coordinates for each service. I'll sketch a simple map on the whiteboard, then we'll plot each point using the coordinates we collect. When we add the data—counts of schools, clinics, markets, and the distances between them—we can see patterns. For example, if two schools are only 200 metres apart while the next one is a kilometre away, that tells us something about accessibility. Finally, the visual result: a simple map with symbols—blue squares for clinics, green circles for schools, orange triangles for markets. This map becomes a powerful story of resource distribution in our community. To recap, we asked a clear question, chose easy‑to‑use tools, collected counts and distances, and produced a visual map that helps us understand where services are and where they might be needed most. Any questions before we move on?

Class, let's dive into Worked Example 3, where we'll observe how land use changes over time on the outskirts of Kibera. First, the key question: What changes have occurred in the use of land on the outskirts of Kibera? Think about crops, buildings, and soil you might see. Next, our plan: we would interview a resident and take before‑and‑after photos to capture the transformation. Then, we collect data: types of crops grown, new building structures, and the condition of the soil. Finally, we analyze the data and link these changes to factors like population growth and the city's expansion. Any thoughts on why these factors matter?