“We are adapting to it because it is within us”: The co-becoming of COVID-19 in Malawi

Abstract

Using a case study design, this research explores the Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic from the perspectives and worldviews of Malawians (Black/African knowledge) through the Bawaka Yolŋu ontology of co-becoming (Black/Indigenous knowledge). This study seeks to examine the ways in which COVID-19 has influenced perceptions of place and the places themselves, thereby contributing to the development of policies and strategies for effectively navigating and living with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved forty-one in-depth semi-structured interviews and two unstructured interviews, enabling a nuanced exploration of COVID-19's impact through the diverse perspectives of Malawian knowledge holders including religious leaders, health-care workers, farmers, and community leaders. The findings reveal a multifaceted transformation in the relationship of Malawians with nature, place, and one another. Nature, once a source of sustenance, has become a realm of danger due to its association with airborne transmission. Place, typically a communal space, has shifted towards individualized safety, necessitating changes in how homes are adapted and perceived. The communal fabric of Malawian society, deeply ingrained in communal practices, has been strained, altering traditional gatherings and societal interactions. This research adds depth to our understanding of COVID-19's complex impacts, emphasizing the importance of cultural and environmental contexts in shaping responses to the pandemic. The insights gained hold significance for tailored policy interventions and community-focused strategies to navigate and adapt to the evolving challenges presented by COVID-19.