It is beyond you – principles for rangeland research in multi-functional landscapes in South Africa

Research involving local communities in rural South Africa often establishes a hierarchy, where researchers are seen as experts possessing superior knowledge, potentially overlooking the valuable input of the local communities while making them research subjects. Consequently, the one-size-fits-all strategies derived from this are often resisted by the local people, leading to the failure of such strategies. However, there is a shift occurring in the research community, where the value of local knowledge, perspectives, and ways of life are being acknowledged and appreciated. Moreover, collaborative approaches that value and integrate the insights of communities into the research process are gaining attention. This article reflects on the evolution of my research approach. The paper sets out my journey from where I was mostly learning the sociological “tools of the trade” to transitioning into a phase of conducting my own independent research. The transition into a space of independence presented an opportunity to refine my research methods and approach.