GIS Time

On August 4-6 I took a road trip up the west coast with another researcher and local community
members to start the GPS data collection of Legal and Illegal (Shebeens) Alcohol Vendors.
This data will add value to the ongoing research of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
of the Western Cape. Because colonial slavery and apartheid allowed farm owners
to pay workers in Alcohol (the "Dop" system), the spirit and culture of alcohol
dominates and is at the forefront of farm life. The towns visited include:
Porterville, Piketberg, Velddrif, and other smaller towns.

This data made me realize the following implications:
Revolutionizing the applicability of GIS in public health
Targeting outreach initiatives
Raising awareness that Alcoholism is a DISEASE and new strategies for intervention and treatment


Peeling back the layers of this gorgeous scenery, I find beautiful and strong people
who are marginalized and need help. This data will be applied to the scope and initiatives
of academia, Community-Based Organizations, NGOs, church, and local mobilization.



--Yasmin