Dealing with the Unforeseen: The Tanzanian Election, Tradition, Religion and my Research

Although you might be forgiven for thinking otherwise, the UK is not the only country that will go to the polls this year; in October Tanzanians vote in presidential and parliamentary elections.

On the face of it this seems to have little to do with my research into the role of traditional religions in participatory development processes. However, events in Tanzania over recent months have highlighted a link that has profound practical and ethical implications for my project.

My presentation will show how I am dealing with these unforeseen developments, articulating how the election links to my research and exploring the impact on my research questions and methodology.