Knowledge of Aymara inhabitants about the ancestral knowledge and interpretation of nature, fauna, and flora in agricultural culture

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the knowledge level possessed by Aymara inhabitants from the Ilave, Acora, and Huancané areas regarding the knowledge and interpretation of nature, fauna, and flora in agricultural culture. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 50 inhabitants of both genders, selected through non-probabilistic sampling, who were administered the Questionnaire on the Perception of Nature, Flora, Fauna, and Agricultural Culture, an instrument with adequate internal consistency. The results show that the level of knowledge of 52% of Aymara inhabitants was high, 36% was very high, and 12% was moderate. Additionally, the level of knowledge about the interpretation and meaning of nature (48%), the transmission of knowledge (40%), and social and cultural integration (84%) among the inhabitants was predominantly very high. On the other hand, knowledge related to relevance and adaptation reached a high level (48%). It was concluded that the level of knowledge of the Aymara inhabitants in the Ilave, Acora, and Huancané areas regarding the knowledge and interpretation of nature, fauna, and flora in agricultural culture was predominantly high. Therefore, it is recommended that educational strategies and community programs be implemented to promote the preservation and transmission of this traditional knowledge.