In a globalised world, complex structures within agrarian value chains have a great influence on the life and work of individuals. Whether one is subordinated by these structures or plays an active role in shaping them, has to do not least with the ideas and knowledge one possesses about them. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the perspectives of those who are most vulnerable, in order to shape global value chains that are more just.

Within a project in cooperation with Universitas Indonesia in August 2022 we have conducted 20 qualitative interviews with tea workers in West Java – from tea pickers to managers and redistributors. The main data output were concept maps drawn out by participants (or by our translator following their descriptions) explaining their image of the “journey of the tea”. These show different conceptions, perceptions and knowledge bases for different types of stakeholders. They vary in placement of emphasis, choice of depicted processes and self-positioning. Most interviewees lacked knowledge and understanding of the value chain they are part of and only few critical views were expressed.

We don’t want to exclude critical reflections on our method and the circumstances of our research, since it was our goal to try out a more unconventional method and make it an object of research itself.

Keywords: Participatory Mapping, Power relations, Self-Positioning, Socioeconomic Standing

Elena Fritz & Katalin Schleuter, students of Osnabrück University