PhD thesis Title Page Final _Richard Juma - Victoria University ...

scared, or reluctant to give written consent. Villagers normally become very
curious when asked for written consent. They don’t have a clear
understanding of written consent as it is not part of their everyday life. I
didn’t try to seek written consent because that may have discouraged them
from participating. I therefore asked for a verbal consent from my
respondents.
An information sheet explaining the purpose of my fieldwork was prepared
in advance and sent to the respondents (See Appendix 8). For those who
could not understand the contents of the form, my research assistants
read and explained to them verbally in Ngaturkana. As stated above, the
information sheet introduced me to the respondents as a PhD student in
Development studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand,
undertaking a research project leading to a thesis. I informed them that
the project I was undertaking sought to inquire into the indigenous
strategies employed by Turkana nomads within their respective social and
economic backgrounds to cope with 2005-2006 drought and famine. They
were requested to willingly share their insights on their practices, realities,
and observations regarding their livelihoods in the face of drought and
famine. Those not willing to participate were at liberty to withdraw any
time without question.
In addition to the information sheet, I showed the respondents an
introductory letter from my supervisor (see Appendix 7). The letter was
also translated verbally into the local language (Ngaturkana). To develop
their confidence during the interview, I continuously asked for permission
whenever I wanted to take any photograph or use an audio recorder.
During and after the research, all data have been safely stored by me with
reasonable security safeguards against loss, unauthorized access, use,
modification or disclosure and other misuse. Only my supervisors and I
have access to the information collected. That information will be kept by
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