363
10 The Role of Local Ecological Knowledge in the Conservation and Management...
In many settings providing items such as coffee, cigarettes, batteries or biscuits
•
during the interview is culturally appropriate and helps to break down barriers
between the interviewee and interviewer. However, determine whether or not
it is appropriate to provide gifts to interviewees in each situation; differences
in local practices can mean that giving rewards/incentive is sometimes insulting
and sometimes expected. Rewards can show appreciation for time spent but
should not be the incentive for the interview. Care is needed.
Ensure proper dress codes – many communities are traditional and expect
•
certain behaviour, especially by females.
Carefully select interviewers; they should be knowledgeable about the resource,
•
the fi shery and the community, patient, open-minded and communicative. It is
very important that interviewers are prepared to discuss their fi ndings to
communities, provide useful information to interviewees and gain their respect.
Interviewers, ideally, should be knowledgeable on relevant issues internationally, including general matters of fi shery management options.
Consider fi lming or oral recording interviews, with permission, for later media
•
or educational activities.
2. During a trip
Make clear to the interviewee what the interview is about, why you are request•
ing it and what you will do with the information.
Continually work to establish your own credibility through your knowledge –
•
you will get respect and better responses. It would be useful to be introduced by credible people. Make clear that you respect the knowledge of
interviewees
Use open-ended and semi-structured questions during interviews and while
•
participating in fi shing, etc.
Go fi shing when possible with interviewee and inspect fi sh/catches when
•
possible.
Prepare a minimum subset of questions that are the most important to con•
duct: fi shers might be tired and not have much time or patience.
Be courteous and respectful and try to be engaging.
•
Focus clearly on one species at a time and confi rm species with photos.
•
Always indicate in your notes what information applies to which species.
Ask about opinions and likely causes of observed trends.
•
Decide whether to conduct group or one-on-one interviews.
•
Be open-minded and allow time for conversations to go off in multiple
•
directions but also focus on the key questions you intend to cover – this is
another reason the interviewer must have a sound knowledge of the subject.
Don’t dismiss information that sounds unlikely but follow up with further
questions.
Be patient and prepared to be fl exible with your travel schedule – i.e. spend
•
extra time in an area if it proves productive, or move on early if necessary and
factor in delays.
Repeat questions in different ways to check reliability of interviewees.
•
10 The Role of Local Ecological Knowledge in the Conservation and Management...
In many settings providing items such as coffee, cigarettes, batteries or biscuits
•
during the interview is culturally appropriate and helps to break down barriers
between the interviewee and interviewer. However, determine whether or not
it is appropriate to provide gifts to interviewees in each situation; differences
in local practices can mean that giving rewards/incentive is sometimes insulting
and sometimes expected. Rewards can show appreciation for time spent but
should not be the incentive for the interview. Care is needed.
Ensure proper dress codes – many communities are traditional and expect
•
certain behaviour, especially by females.
Carefully select interviewers; they should be knowledgeable about the resource,
•
the fi shery and the community, patient, open-minded and communicative. It is
very important that interviewers are prepared to discuss their fi ndings to
communities, provide useful information to interviewees and gain their respect.
Interviewers, ideally, should be knowledgeable on relevant issues internationally, including general matters of fi shery management options.
Consider fi lming or oral recording interviews, with permission, for later media
•
or educational activities.
2. During a trip
Make clear to the interviewee what the interview is about, why you are request•
ing it and what you will do with the information.
Continually work to establish your own credibility through your knowledge –
•
you will get respect and better responses. It would be useful to be introduced by credible people. Make clear that you respect the knowledge of
interviewees
Use open-ended and semi-structured questions during interviews and while
•
participating in fi shing, etc.
Go fi shing when possible with interviewee and inspect fi sh/catches when
•
possible.
Prepare a minimum subset of questions that are the most important to con•
duct: fi shers might be tired and not have much time or patience.
Be courteous and respectful and try to be engaging.
•
Focus clearly on one species at a time and confi rm species with photos.
•
Always indicate in your notes what information applies to which species.
Ask about opinions and likely causes of observed trends.
•
Decide whether to conduct group or one-on-one interviews.
•
Be open-minded and allow time for conversations to go off in multiple
•
directions but also focus on the key questions you intend to cover – this is
another reason the interviewer must have a sound knowledge of the subject.
Don’t dismiss information that sounds unlikely but follow up with further
questions.
Be patient and prepared to be fl exible with your travel schedule – i.e. spend
•
extra time in an area if it proves productive, or move on early if necessary and
factor in delays.
Repeat questions in different ways to check reliability of interviewees.
•