Research Margot Luyckfasseel

Abstract

This project focusses on the history of female Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) across the Uganda-DRCongo border (late 19th century to present). ICBT is an important topic in economic policies. However, it is often not historicized. This leads to a misrepresentation of informal trading networks and their complex histories, and an overemphasis on the role of colonial trade configurations. ICBT is largely practiced by women, who remain absent actors in colonial historiography, which is also due to the informality of their commercial activities. Research on ICBT across the Congolese-Ugandan border, more specifically, is characterized by a strong Uganda bias due to better monitoring, resulting in an underrepresentation of Congolese experiences. This research project then historicizes (RO1), brings women in (RO2), and counters prevalent national frameworks (RO3) in studying ICBT across the Ugandan-Congolese border.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Luyckfasseel Margot
• Fellow: Nabami Muheme Naomi

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In my ongoing research, I explore how urban development and processes of migration influence social group dynamics, particularly those of underrepresented or marginalized actors such as formerly enslaved, women, and religious minorities. Combining archival and oral sources is an essential methodological approach to realize such histories from below and to center the agency of these groups. Building on my previous research experience in the Congolese cities of Kinshasa, Kisangani and Gemena, I explore new avenues of research in which trade, migration and urban-rural relations are central. One example is the DOCPRO PhD project on the history of female vendors along the Uganda-DRCongo border.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Luyckfasseel Margot
• Fellow: Luyckfasseel Margot

Research team(s)

• Centre for Urban History

Project type(s)

• Research Project