I have recently arrived in Puerto Jiménez Costa Rica where I am assisting Greg on his project and simultaneously sorting through what my own research goals/thesis will be about. Greg is investing the Payment for Environmental Services program and gender disparities in the region.
To do so he has/we have:
– a motorcycle
-a list of names
-a road map
-raincoats
We set out on the motorcycle each day and interview the farmers of the region; when it is appropriate I will talk to the women in a separate room. This process in the last two days alone has created a wealth of opportunities to engage with and give voice to farmers outside of any political or economic motive. We are purely here to listen, learn, and try to make sense of the changing agricultural practices, perspectives on conservationism, governmental/international organization programs, with, when possible, an emphasis on the female viewpoint.
You can read more about the Payment for Environmental Services program here or here or here.
I will, as often as possible and with consent, be posting photos of our daily adventures. We have an outline of questions but allow for as much flexibility of time, interviews ranging from 30 minutes to 5 hours. We want to build trust and be a positive outlet for the farmers, anonymously, to contribute their perspectives and concerns. We will both be writing our thesis’ in english and spanish to make the material accessible and worthwhile to all parties involved.
Jessie's High Horse 