Introduction

Each of the following three papers is devoted to one or more aspect of conducting field research in Zambia. In this sense they form a complementary set, although this result was more fortuitous than planned. The intent had been to collect together several short papers which would address themselves to the manifold facets of fieldwork in African historical research. It is hoped that it will still be possible to do this, and it may be useful to discuss some (though by no means all) of the considerations that might merit attention in this regard: 1] With the increasing difficulties in securing research clearance in Africa, it is important -- perhaps even imperative -- that intending field workers develop viable back-up research proposals. The ways in which such alternatives can be applied could probably be illustrated best by one or two case experiences; for, if anything, it appears that the ability to pursue first intentions will diminish in the future. 2] Does Professor Kashoki's paper describe views which are representative of general opinion? Is there widespread disenchantment within Africa -- with the research attitudes and behavior of field researchers; with their commitments to the concerns of host countries; and with their care in assuring that the fruits of their labors are made easily available for local consumption? The views of other African historians, archivists, and librarians can help to reinforce or modify the arguments noted by Professor Kashoki, both by focusing on issues he has raised and by introducing new ones. 3] Graduate students (not to mention other researchers) cannot always function intellectually as freely as they might wish. They have always had to defer to the opinions and interests of their supervisors and their graduate faculty, as well as to the suspected attitudes of relevant funding agencies. Now it appears that the research priorities of host governments must be added to this litany, may even come to dominate it, as we begin to hear of “research brigades” and similar expedients. Whether this should be seen as good or bad will depend on a number of specific variables. In either instance, however, the short- and long-term ramifications of this new phenomenon need to be discussed.