UniPID DocShop: Decolonizing Research Practices
As part of the 5th International Forestry Policy Meeting that took place in Helsinki in April, UniPID hosted a DocShop on Decolonizing Research Practices. With an inspiring speech delivered by Professor Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni and a group discussion led by Sophia Hagolani-Albov. Both participants and organizers enjoyed a thoughtful session. Here, we share some of the main points to foster reflection on decolonial research practices.
During a captivating intervention by professor Ndlovu Gatsheni, the urgent need to decolonize research practices took center stage. Gatsheni emphasized the paramount importance of understanding the contemporary politics of knowledge, stressing that the colonization of knowledge itself is a reality we must confront head-on.
While attendees and organizers may concur on the necessity of decolonizing research practices, the central question remains: what does decolonization truly entail? Particularly amidst the crises of modernity we face today, including ecological and epistemic challenges.
To effectively decolonize, Professor Ndlovu-Gatsheni proposed a reevaluation of our approach to knowledge. Drawing insights from scholars like Immanuel Wallerstein, he underscored the need to unlearn ingrained modes of thinking—a process as challenging as it is essential.
We cannot decolonize research practices without grappling with fundamental epistemological questions: Where does knowledge come from? How is it linked to identity and power? And crucially, whose knowledge is valued and whose is marginalized? Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni.
In exploring decolonial research practices within the context of forestry, Professor Ndlovu-Gatsheni urged a reconsideration of our relationship with nature. He argued that the root of the problem lies not within the forests themselves, but rather within our extractivist mindset. Decolonizing research practices entails a shift from viewing nature as a mere object to acknowledging its subjecthood, fostering ethics, empathy, and justice in our interactions.
In our journey toward decolonization, Ndlovu-Gatsheni advocated for humility and continuous learning. He emphasized the significance of methodologies such as Indigenous Research Methodology, which prioritize community engagement and reject extractivist paradigms. Decolonizing research practices necessitates a fundamental shift in perspective—a willingness to challenge entrenched power structures and embrace diverse ways of knowing.
Following the thought-provoking address, participants engaged in a lively group discussion, tackling questions such as how to shape research agendas and incorporate decolonial approaches. External factors and funding criteria were highlighted as key influences on research, underscoring the necessity of reevaluating our interactions with research actors and sharing findings beyond academia.
As the session concluded, a call to action resonated strongly. Confronting the legacy of colonialism in research practices is not merely a theoretical concept; it is a practical imperative that demands our unwavering commitment and engagement.
Suggested material:
For further exploration of this topic, we encourage you to delve into the recently launched "Ethical Guidelines for Responsible Academic Partnerships with the Global South" by UniPID and the Finnish National Board for Research Integrity –TENK. Additionally, you might find value in exploring the UniPID toolkit for Global Responsible Partnerships. And if you missed the DocShop or simply wish to revisit Professor Ndlovu-Gatsheni's insights, you can watch the video recording here.
We extend our gratitude to the Nordic Forest Research organization for their support in making this event possible.
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Photo credits: Krzysztof Kowalik, 2019 on UnSplash.
