Contribution short abstract:

Drawing on experiences from an anthropological research project at the University of Parakou, Benin, this contribution reflects on possibilities of strengthening Fulani in the face of stigmatizing generalizations, through a participatory research approach and support of Fulani students.

Contribution long abstract:

The spread of armed groups in the Sahel has recently also affected Northern Benin, particularly the areas bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. While also exposed to this threat, local Fulani communities are often suspected of cooperation or allegiance with armed actors, and Fulani youth typically viewed as potential “terrorists”.

Based on experiences drawn from an anthropological research project at the University of Parakou, we argue that such stigmatizing narratives can be derailed by combining methodologically sound research with good science communication that includes the concerned actors’ perspectives. Our contribution will share experiences on three major pillars of the project’s approach:

1.) Working with Fulani women and youth groups to allow for local concerns to be incorporated into the research, and to foster the researchers’ integration into local Fulani networks, thus enabling them to provide useful advice based on scientifically documented processes.

2.) Cooperation with Fulani customary leaders and pastoralist associations to promote effective crisis management. While their discourse is sometimes tinged with self-victimization, they were in many ways successful in raising awareness, dispelling rumors and thus deconstructing prevailing discourses.

3.) Supporting Fulani students’ education appears as an important avenue for strengthening pastoralist voices and countering biased interpretations of the rural insecurity. Our experience in (co-)mentoring Fulani students confirms their potential role as catalysts in debates and initiatives on (in-)security, and as referees in innovative methodological processes.