KENYA FIELD SCHOOL  (May 7 to May 27, 2016)    SYLLABUS

This 3-week course focused on solving complex problems by developing leadership skills at the interface of different disciplines. This was done through applied system analysis and embedded experiences. This field school provided innovative “feet-on-the-ground” learning experiences that embraced the intersection of cultural, social, economic, environmental, and health studies on present-day communities-at-risk in Africa. The focus was on the relationships between changing freshwater resources and community health in East Africa’s Rift Valley lakes. 

Story and Photo by Rebecca Doyle

​In May of 2015 I was offered the opportunity to travel to Kenya for a one month field course as part of Western University’s Collaborative Program in Global Health Systems. The goal of the field course was to explore the underlying causes of global health challenges throughout Kenya. Before joining the course, I had never heard of global health systems. Like many students with training in physical sciences, I strived to conduct my research as far away from urban centres as possible to minimize the impact of human activity on the natural phenomena I wished to study. My perspective towards research shifted when I, alongside a group of four other Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholars, conducted a community needs assessment of fishermen in Naivasha, Kenya. Together, we assessed the fishermen’s idea of implementing aquaculture in nearby Lake Naivasha. We also consulted other stakeholders to determine if there was a way to accomplish this goal sustainably. Next, we formalized the fishermen’s original idea in an oral presentation and written report. The report was distributed to all stakeholders involved, including representatives within the Kenyan government. Our report included detailed instructions for a pilot project to be conducted by students at a nearby university. The results from this pilot project would confirm whether aquaculture would compromise the water quality of the lake. Working with such a diverse group of people in Kenya made me a more effective communicator and showed me the importance of multidisciplinary research. Now, rather than struggling to consider my research in isolation of human influence, I am excited about community-based research.