My research process spanned over the course of three years, beginning with narrowing my focus to four African groups -- Nigeria, Kenya, the San people, and Egypt -- through extensive reading of reputable sources. I then refined my research question to how climate change transforms cultural and social dynamics in South and North Africa, ultimately selecting the San people and the Egyptian Nubians as my case studies. The San were chosen because they faced increasing challenges due to desertification and land restrictions, altering their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Additionally, my research revealed interesting ways their experience with colonialism and gender dynamics has impacted their experience with colonialism. The Egyptian Nubians were chosen because of they also have experienced displacement due to their relationship with the Nile, and the interesting ways the Nile has also been impacted by climate change. They also have experience with colonialism and gender dynamics, which leads to an interesting comparison to the San especially since they are on opposite sides of the same continent. 

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In Year 2, I wrote a literature review. In doing so, I was able to identify some research gaps that I needed to address before recording my podcasts. Some of these gaps included the lack of information on European colonialism of Egypt and how that related to their experience with climate change, and the specific gendered dynamics on the San people, as well more information on occupational dynamics for the San. While I eventually was able to find sources to help address some of those gaps, the best solution was to interview experts. I cold emailed Professor Robert Hitchcock (UNM) and Professor James McCann (BU), and interviewed and recorded both of them via Zoom in February and March respectively. After I had all my information, I made my podcast script/outline and recorded the podcast from there. I edited using the application Audacity, and published them onto this website. 

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To make the website more informative and accessible, I added a resource page that includes links to relevant academic papers, and articles that I used in my research and further explore topics of climate change, colonialism, and gender dynamics within the San and Nubian communities. I also added the transcripts for each podcast episode to ensure accessibility for all users, particularly who those who prefer to read or need a more detailed account of the discussions. Additionally, I included a link to my research paper, which synthesizes the findings the findings from my podcasts, literature review, and interviews, providing a comprehensive overview of how climate change has shaped cultural and social dynamics in these two groups.​​​​​​​