Methodological Reflections on Fieldwork in Sensitive Environmental Justice Research: Engaging Marginalized Communities in Ghana’s Large-Scale Gold Mining Regions

This article provides a hands-on reflective account of fieldwork experiences involving marginalized communities hosting commercial large-scale gold mining activities. Drawing upon a project investigating the gendered dimensions and vulnerability contexts of environmental justice in Ghana’s extractive sector, the paper discusses the tensions and challenges in researching sensitive topics in marginalized communities. Drawing on my fieldwork experiences, I address some challenges and uncertainties in conducting fieldwork and producing knowledge in marginalized communities. At the heart of the discussion are issues about gaining introduction into a new research context, building relationships and trust with participants, research participation fatigue, community stakeholder engagement experiences, and navigating power inequalities between the researcher and the researched. For research to be mutually beneficial, the article argues for future researchers working with marginalized communities to produce user-friendly knowledge exchange products that non-academic stakeholders can easily adopt. By ensuring that knowledge produced in research is accessible and understandable, marginalized communities will be well-placed to access resources and opportunities.