Research Fergus Simpson

Abstract

This project offers a novel perspective on the 'extractive imperative' – a phenomenon initially observed in Latin America, where the extraction of natural resources is prioritised over other environmental and social considerations. While previous studies on the extractive imperative have mainly examined political-economic dynamics at the level of central government, this study adopts a multi-level approach. Concentrating on artisanal and semi-industrial gold mining in the Okapi Faunal Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it will address two research objectives. The first objective (RO1) is to analyse the mechanisms that prioritise extraction across multiple scales, connecting transnational, national, provincial, and local levels. The second objective (RO2) is to evaluate the socio-ecological impacts of extraction within the reserve. This project builds upon and extends research funded by a separate VLIR Short Initiative involving the University of Antwerp and the University of Kisangani. Specifically, the BOF grant will support field research at the provincial and national levels (RO1) and the analysis of satellite-derived data on environmental changes due to mining within the reserve (RO2). Meanwhile, the VLIR South Initiative will fund field research focused on local mining dynamics and their socio-ecological impacts (RO1 & RO2).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Simpson Fergus

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Indigenous peoples have been repeatedly displaced from their ancestral lands in the name of conservation (Dowie, 2012). To deliver on the dual imperatives of environmental protection and social justice, a growing number of NGOs, activists and academics are calling for indigenous peoples to be given greater control over their lands and resources inside protected areas (for example, Minority Rights Group and Forest Peoples Program). However, we know very little about how indigenous peoples relate to their ancestral forests decades after having been displaced from them for conservation purposes. Do they go back to living a traditional, ecologically sustainable lifestyle? Or do they come to view their customary lands and resources as an opportunity for extraction and economic gain? This research project will address this fundamental gap in our understanding through an in-depth analysis of Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where groups of indigenous Batwa people recently returned after decades living outside its boundaries. Concretely, I will examine how the Batwa now relate to their ancestral forests inside the park; and the extent, trajectory and causes of environmental changes (principally tree cover loss) that have followed their return. To conduct the research, I will develop an innovative mixed methods toolkit whereby satellite images of tree cover changes inside the park will then be 'ground-truthed' with ethnographic techniques during fieldwork. The research findings will be published in at least 1 high-impact journal, 1 policy brief and 1 blog post. I will also present the key conclusions at 1 academic and 1 policy-oriented conference. The project effectively represents a bridge between my PhD, which focussed on conservation conflicts around Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and an FWO postdoctorate project, where I will combine satellite and ethnographic data to study conservation, armed conflict and environmental change more broadly in Africa's Great Lakes region.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Simpson Fergus

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project explores whether the concept socio-ecological resilience can further our empirical and conceptual understanding of changes in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities. It has three main objectives that will address gaps in the ASM literature: 1) to improve our understanding of the internal structures, actors and dynamics of ASM communities; 2) to develop a conceptual framework to understand the interacting socio-ecological systems that surround ASM communities, by focusing on key trends transforming ASM; 3) to contribute to the literature on resilience by exploring the relationship between resilience at the community level and at the socio-ecological system level. It will use the conceptual framework of socio-ecological resilience combined with perspectives from political ecology to examine case studies – namely, two different ASM communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In doing so, it aims to provide more holistic perspective of the role of ASM as a livelihood strategy. Moreover, the knowledge generated could be used to better inform policies and interventions to mitigate the problems that have for so long afflicted ASM communities. The findings will be published through four articles in high-impact academic journals: one article for each of my three research objectives; and a fourth to discuss the potential for socio-ecological resilience to be combined with perspectives from political ecology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Geenen Sara
• Fellow: Simpson Fergus

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project explores whether the concept socio-ecological resilience can further our empirical and conceptual understanding of changes in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities. It has three main objectives that will address gaps in the ASM literature: 1) to improve our understanding of the internal structures, actors and dynamics of ASM communities; 2) to develop a conceptual framework to understand the interacting socio-ecological systems that surround ASM communities, by focusing on key trends transforming ASM; 3) to contribute to the literature on resilience by exploring the relationship between resilience at the community level and at the socio-ecological system level. It will use the conceptual framework of socio-ecological resilience combined with perspectives from political ecology to examine case studies – namely, two different ASM communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In doing so, it aims to provide more holistic perspective of the role of ASM as a livelihood strategy. Moreover, the knowledge generated could be used to better inform policies and interventions to mitigate the problems that have for so long afflicted ASM communities. The findings will be published through four articles in high-impact academic journals: one article for each of my three research objectives; and a fourth to discuss the potential for socio-ecological resilience to be combined with perspectives from political ecology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Geenen Sara
• Co-promoter: Titeca Kristof
• Fellow: Simpson Fergus

Research team(s)

• Development processes, actors and policies

Project type(s)

• Research Project