At Black Baza, research is not something that happens from the outside looking in. It’s something we do with the communities we work alongside. As part of our regular biodiversity monitoring, we engage in ongoing Participatory Action Research (PAR) — a collective, grounded approach to understanding and transforming our social and ecological realities.
Led by the Community
Our research is primarily led by community members and stakeholders. We believe that those closest to the land bring the deepest knowledge. Together, we inquire into questions that matter — not just to science, but to people’s lives and ecosystems.
What We Explore
The themes we explore are diverse and interconnected. Some areas we’re currently investigating include:
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Traditional ecological knowledge and how it informs farming practices
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Collective norms and institutions that support biodiversity-friendly farming
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Governance of farmer producer organisations
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Community media as a tool for local storytelling and change
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Market dynamics and how they can create space for smallholder farmers
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Voluntary regulatory systems, like certifications, and their impact on power and practice
Why It Matters
Participatory research allows us to reflect, learn, and adapt together. It’s not just about gathering data — it’s about shifting relationships, building trust, and co-creating knowledge that can shape a more equitable and ecological future.
