For further information, visit: www.southampton.ac.uk/geography
Feature
FIELDWORK A recent project which partnered University of Southampton students with students from Jadavpur University in Kolkata, demonstrates the significant benefits of fieldwork for both research and student training. Four University of Southampton students were connected with students from Jadavpur University through EU-India networking project CASCO (Climate Adaptation and Services Community), as part of the DEltas, vulnerability and Climate Change: Migration & Adaptation (DECCMA) project (see pages 10 and 11). The aim of the collaboration was to enable the Southampton students to collect data for their dissertations as part of an MSc in Sustainability, and for Indian students to see different methods and approaches to data collection. DECCMA’s main Indian partner, Dr Tuhin Ghosh, facilitated the collaboration. Conducting fieldwork enables students to see applications of theory they have learned in the classroom, and is considered a high point of the postgraduate experience. Lindsay Roberts, an MSc student at UoS, whose dissertation looked at the role of migration on women said, ‘The opportunity to pursue my dissertation and undertake research in the Indian Bengal Delta was one of the highlights of my university experience. From the unique setting of the Sundarbans’ villages to the key insights on out-migration and women I found from my research, I feel incredibly lucky for this experience for developing and applying my knowledge surrounding climate change adaptation.’ Martin Watts from UoS, whose research looked at agricultural adaptation added, ‘It was an insightful cross-cultural experience into farmers’ adaptive behaviours. I realised the importance of collective action for sustainable and resilient farming practices.’ As well as being useful for the visiting British students, student counterparts from Jadavpur University also found the experience valuable. As Purna Baduri explained, ‘Most of our background is in quantitative data collection
and analysis. Here I have learned a lot about qualitative data and the value that it can add to studies relating to population.’ The whole team agreed that the opportunity to share perspectives on adaptation and migration in the Indian Bengal delta called into question some of their previously unquestioned assumptions. This experience was made possible by the dedication of the DECCMA India team, who ‘Provided endless support throughout the fieldwork process to ensure individual research goals were met. Sumana Banerjee was at the centre of organising the fieldwork, ensuring
every aspect of the trip was well planned, and Dr Tuhin Ghosh provided valuable information on the Sundarbans and it was great to discuss my research with him.’ said Rosalyn Lloyd Haynes (UoS MSc student). The University of Southampton students were funded by DECCMA and the CASCO project, funded by the European Union delegation to India. Authored by Dr Emma Tompkins, Professor within Geography and Environmental Science, and Katharine Vincent from Kulima Integrated Development Solutions, one of the DECCMA consortium. 17