Snail meat consumption in Buea, Cameroon: The methodological challenges in exploring its public health risks
dc.contributor.author | Tanyitiku, MN | |
dc.contributor.author | Nicholas, G | |
dc.contributor.author | Sullivan, Jon | |
dc.contributor.author | Njombissie Petcheu, IC | |
dc.contributor.author | On, Stephen | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2022-03-31T22:40:15Z | |
dc.date.available | 2022-02-28 | |
dc.date.issued | 2022 | |
dc.date.updated | 2022-03-21T23:58:42Z | |
dc.description.abstract | This paper discusses the methodological challenges in studying health risks that could arise from consuming terrestrial snails infested with pathogenic microorganisms. In Cameroon, snails remain an inexpensive protein source and are collected from free-living environments termed “farms.” Our focus has been on understanding health risks due to the handling and consumption of snails collected from locations that include decaying vegetation and untreated human and household wastes. To complement preliminary field observations and get more in-depth understanding of the existing situation, we adopted a qualitative approach using lived experiences, participant observation, in-depth interviews, and a focus group. We made use of informal settings where snail vendors and consumers narrated their routines and experiences from snail harvesting to consumption and the strategies they use to keep their families safe from foodborne illnesses. The study adopted two frameworks: Soft Systems Methodology to explore and model the “messy” nature of the social system and Social Practice Theory to explore the local practices identified through systemic model. The challenges discussed are set in the context of conducting social research in a developing world situation in a time of social and political tension and a global pandemic (COVID-19). With this in mind, the methodological decisions discussed include the type of enquiry and selection of frameworks, selection of field sites, recruitment and engagement with participants, design of interview instruments, interpretation, and trustworthiness of the study findings. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of using our approach. | |
dc.format.extent | 12 pages | |
dc.identifier | https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=elements_prod&SrcAuth=WosAPI&KeyUT=WOS:000765763500001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=WOS_CPL | |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.1177/16094069221078132 | |
dc.identifier.eissn | 1609-4069 | |
dc.identifier.issn | 1609-4069 | |
dc.identifier.other | ZO5KJ (isidoc) | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10182/14804 | |
dc.language.iso | en | |
dc.publisher | SAGE | |
dc.relation | The original publication is available from SAGE - https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221078132 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/16094069221078132 | |
dc.relation.isPartOf | International Journal of Qualitative Methods | |
dc.relation.uri | https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221078132 | |
dc.rights | © The Author(s) 2022. | |
dc.rights.ccname | Attribution-NonCommercial | |
dc.rights.ccuri | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ | |
dc.subject | in-depth settings | |
dc.subject | public health risks | |
dc.subject | Social Practice Theory | |
dc.subject | Soft Systems Methodology | |
dc.subject | terrestrial edible snails | |
dc.subject.anzsrc2020 | ANZSRC::300605 Food safety, traceability, certification and authenticity | |
dc.subject.anzsrc2020 | ANZSRC::321005 Public health nutrition | |
dc.subject.anzsrc2020 | ANZSRC::310799 Microbiology not elsewhere classified | |
dc.subject.anzsrc2020 | ANZSRC::441006 Sociological methodology and research methods | |
dc.title | Snail meat consumption in Buea, Cameroon: The methodological challenges in exploring its public health risks | |
dc.type | Journal Article | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU|Agriculture and Life Sciences | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU|Agriculture and Life Sciences|ECOL | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU|Agriculture and Life Sciences|WFMB | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU|Research Management Office | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU|Research Management Office|OLD QE18 | |
lu.contributor.unit | LU|Centre of Excellence - Food for Future Consumers | |
lu.identifier.orcid | 0000-0001-6169-6660 | |
lu.identifier.orcid | 0000-0001-5820-9761 | |
pubs.notes | Volume 21 Issue, January-December 2022 | |
pubs.publication-status | Published | |
pubs.publisher-url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/16094069221078132 | |
pubs.volume | 21 |
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