The Malawi fieldtrip is based in Mulanje in the south-east of the country.
This location provides students will the opportunity to investigate a range of human, physical and environmental geography topics. Students interested in development processes can examine the role of international aid and NGOs, as well as community-based initiatives and state-led education, health and infrastructure programmes. Students have also examined the social and cultural dimensions of Mulanje’s insertion into global commodity chains, for products such as clothing, and how forms of identity are shifting with the circulation of goods, ideas and people.
Being based in the Mount Mulanje Forest Reserve allows students to investigate conservation practices, as well as to study vegetation, water and soil. In some cases these projects consider links to human activities, such as agriculture, while in others the studies are based completely on physical factors.
The fieldtrip lasts ten days, but requires significant pre-trip preparation. Students work in groups of four on related but independent projects which are assessed through a 6,000 word report. Each group has a local guide to provide support in the field as well as a RHUL staff member as an advisor.
