Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Methods Against Ignorance: Two Case Studies of Amakhuwa in Mozambique and Aymaras in Bolivia

Abstract

In the current debates on sustainable development, the methodological discussions of research techniques and traditions have recently opened the issue of indigenous research and methodologies on a wide and global scale. It is a welcome move, and much more remains to be done, especially outside of the realm of English-speaking countries. Therefore, the analysis extends research to new geographical areas and understudied cultures. Consequently, it proposes a reflection on indigenous methodologies based on the integration of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and local knowledge of populations impacted by climate change, resettlement policies, cooperation initiatives, indigenous institutions, and public policies. The research is based on the combination of two main approaches: a review of literature complemented by two case studies, one in Northern Mozambique with the Amakhuwa people and another in Aymara Andean societies in Bolivia. In this later case the results can be extended to the proximate culture of the Quichuan communities. The main conclusions are about the indigenous knowledge systems as well as the importance of indigenous methodologies both for research purpose and better policy analysis, implementation, and assessment.