Socio-Ecological Systems and Decoloniality: Convergence of Indigenous and Western Knowledge

Description

This contributed volume provides case studies from around the world that feature a convergence of indigenous and western knowledge in an attempt to understand complex socio-ecological systems. The book provides an understanding of socio-ecological systems in an ethical space using a 'Decoloniality' approach (i.e. untangling the production of knowledge from a primarily Eurocentric episteme). The work presented here integrates and merges indigenous knowledge with western science, thereby building on the strengths of each in service of understanding these systems. The editors of this volume approach indigenous communities and scientists as equal knowledge-holders and, in doing so, contributes towards improved understanding of socio-ecological systems and interactions in cross-cultural contexts. This volume will be of interest to scientists, instructors, students and policy makers across disciplines such as environmental sciences, social sciences, interdisciplinary studies, cultural studies, ethnobotany, anthropology and plant genetic resources. Foreword Preface by Deepa Pullanikkatil Preface by Kerry Hughes Contents Part I: Decolonizing knowledge and Convergence of Indigenous and Western Knowledges Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction Integration of Indigenous Knowledge with Western Knowledge Coloniality and Decoloniality What to Expect in This Book Conclusion References Chapter 2: Scientific and Indigenous Knowledge for Socio-ecological Systems: A 20-Year Global Bibliometric Analysis Introduction Methodology Data Description Methods Results and Discussion Temporal Trends of Publications and Number of Citations Spatial Distribution of Published Journal Articles Collaborative Relationships Among Countries and Institutions Most Cited Journals Journal Co-citation Analysis Top Funding Agencies, Research Disciplines and Most Cited Authors Keyword Analysis Limitations of the Study Conclusion and Policy Recommendations References Part II: Insights from Around the World Chapter 3: Interfacing Indigenous Knowledge with Scientific Knowledge for Improved Health Outcomes: Lessons from Eswatini Introduction The Integrated Healthcare System and Some Success Stories Challenges to a Fully Integrated Healthcare System Integration of Traditional Medicine in Eswatini What Does an Interfaced Healthcare System Look Like? A Way Forward References Chapter 4: Indigenous Ways of Predicting Agricultural Droughts in Zimbabwe Introduction Climate Change and Drought Conventional and Traditional Drought Forecasting Approaches Description of Study Sites Bikita District Chimanimani District Chivi District Research Methodology Results and Discussion Indigenous Ways of Drought Prediction From Drought Prediction to Coping Practices Local Perceptions About the Value of Indigenous Drought Prediction Drivers and Constraints of Indigenous Drought Prediction Conclusion References Chapter 5: Kusintha Kwa Nyengo: Local Meanings of Climate Change Introduction Methodology Encountering Communities in Kasache Identities and Emotions Climate Change as One and Many Story 1: Kusintha Kwa Nyengo or Relational Climate Change Story 2: It’s God’s Plan – How Colonial Climates Have Travelled to the Present Religion and Science in Climate Change Narratives Story 3: The Masters of Nature The Spread of Conservationism in Nyasaland Story 4: Discipline and Resistance in Coping with Climate Change Hegemony of Maize, Dependency on Aid Ganyu Labour: A Local-Based Coping Strategy Conclusions References Chapter 6: Unravelling Indigenous Knowledge Using the Msangu (Faidherbia albida)Tree in Malawi: Through the Voice of Farmers Introduction Background on Malawi TEK and Scientific Knowledge Methods Findings Uses of the Tree Soil Fertility Enhancer Fodder for Animals Medicinal Properties Provision of Wood Other Observations About the Tree Reverse Phenology The Placing of the Tree and Lightning Signal for Rainfall Variability Conclusion Personal Views on Indigenous Knowledge Limitations References Chapter 7: Scientific Validation of Traditional Early Warning Signals for Floods and Drought in Nsanje and Chikwawa Districts, Malawi Introduction Background Objective Uniqueness of the Study Methodology Study Area Rainfall Pattern Temperature Pattern Geographical Coverage Data Collection Data Analysis Results and Discussion The Effect of Droughts and Floods Uses and Origin of IK in Malawi Interactions Between Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Scientific Knowledge (SK) Application of Modern Science in Forecasting Weather Indigenous Early Warning Signals and Their Explanations Short-Term Versus Longer-Term Disaster Events Conclusion and Recommendations Bibliography References (Additional) Chapter 8: Conservation of Natural Forests Through Indigenous Religious Beliefs and Practices: A Case Study of M’bona Cult, Nsanje District, Malawi Introduction M’bona Cult Data and Methods Ethical Consideration Results and Discussion Khulubvi Sacred Thicket as M’bona’s Hair Traditional Hut as a Dwelling Place of M’bona Spirit in Khulubvi Natural Thicket Placating the Spirit of M’bona and the Deceased Khulubvi Shrine Traditional Environmental Management System Sustaining Indigenous Religious Beliefs and Practices Conclusion Recommendations Limitations References Chapter 9: Cross-Scale Properties and Socioecological Role of Indigenous Residual Moisture Cultivation Systems in Malawi Introduction Physiographic and Hydrological Setting Socioeconomic Setting Evolution of Indigenous Residual Cultivation Systems Methodological Framework Cross-Scale Properties of Indigenous Residual Moisture Crop Cultivation Systems Residual Moisture Cultivation in Lilongwe South Plains Socioecological Context Indigenous Knowledge Aspects of Residual Moisture Cultivation in Lilongwe South Plains Residual Moisture Cultivation in Chingale, Zomba Socioecological Context Indigenous Knowledge Aspects of Residual Moisture Cultivation in Chingale, Zomba Residual Moisture Cultivation in Milonde, Mulanje Socioecological Context Indigenous Knowledge Aspects of Residual Moisture Cultivation in Milonde, South Mulanje Residual Moisture Cultivation in the Lower Shire Valley Socioecological Context Indigenous Knowledge Aspects of Residual Moisture Cultivation in the Shire Valley Adaptive Linkages Between Indigenous Residual Cultivation Systems and Contemporary Technological, Sociological, and Ecological Artifacts of Wetland Use Water Availability Rights of Use of Land and Water and Collective Action in Riparian Zones Subsistence–Cash Differentiated Cultivation Systems Policy–Tradition Intersection Reflections and Conclusion References Chapter 10: Indigenous Knowledge and Practice Related to Health, Nutrition, and Environments in Bangladesh Introduction Objective Methodology Limitations of the Study Study Area Study Population Quality Control Mechanism Study Findings Health Nutrition Population Status of the Indigenous People Maternal Health Care Practice Among the Indigenous People of Bangladesh Child HealthCare Practice Among Indigenous People of Bangladesh Food Security and Feeding Practices Among the Indigenous People of Bangladesh Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Care Among the Indigenous People of Bangladesh Environment and Climate-Related Practice Among the Indigenous People of Bangladesh Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 11: Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes of Pastoralists Toward Tsetse Flies and Trypanosomiasis in the Maasai Steppe, Northern Tanzania Introduction Materials and Methods Study Area and Communities Methodology Study Design and Selection Criteria Structured Questionnaire Survey and Administration Focus Group Discussion Data Analysis Results Households’ Characteristics Knowledge of Respondents Toward African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) Pastoralist Knowledge and Perception of Tsetse Flies and Human African Trypanosomiasis Ways of Getting HAT Knowledge of the Vector (Tsetse Fly) in Relation to Closely Related Flies Knowledge About the Time of Tsetse Flies’ Bite Respondents’ Attitude Toward African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Human African Trypanosomiasis Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 12: Shortage, Meanings, and Adaptations of Water: Reflections on the Perspectives of Elders from San José Lachiguirí, Oaxaca, Mexico Water Discords and Ecosystems San José Lachiguirí, Oaxaca Meanings and Legends of Water in San José Lachiguirí, Oaxaca The Legend of “Del Cántaro” Hill The Legend of “mël dö” the Water Serpent Reasons for Scarcity Water-Harvesting Alternatives Interpreting the Legends and Experiences of the Elders of San José Lachiguirí Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 13: North American Case Studies of Medicinal Plant Conservation Introduction A Recent Change in National Park Policy in the United States The Context of Decolonialization and the Interface of Current Medicinal Plant Conservation in the United States Case Study: White Sage (Salvia apiana) and Commercial Cultural Appropriation Remembering Our Past to Inform Our Future: The Early Colonial Botanists and Their Message References Chapter 14: Contested Understanding of River Health from Communities’ Perspective in the Lower Komati River in South Africa Introduction Issues with Current River Health Meanings Study Area Methodology Reflections on Researcher’s Position Results Visual Observations of River Health River’s Fitness for Use River’s Ability to Sustain Ecological Integrity Maintenance of the River’s Natural Flow Use of the Past Political Era to Describe Changes in the River Conclusion References Chapter 15: Ginger: An Introduced Foreign Species and Its Recognition as a Traditional Medicine Plant by the Peruvian Awajun Populations Introduction Methodology The Peruvian Amazonian Population The Awajun Indigenous Population Characteristics Diseases and the Uses of the Medicinal Plants in the Awajun Cosmovision Natural Failures of the Human Functional System Supranatural Illnesses Witchcraft Syndrome of Cultural Filiation Evolution of Health Practices and Livelihood Conditions in Awajun Indigenous Groups Study Case: Shampuyacu Community Characteristics of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Health Conditions Ginger Characteristics Ginger as a Natural Medicinal Catalyzer in the Awajun Cosmovision Shampuyacu Community: Elsa Wajai Ampush Controversies of Ginger Uses and Production Author’s Reflection References Chapter 16: Overview of Brazilian Biodiversity Law and Identification of Legal Instruments and Strategies for Effective Participation of Traditional Communities in Exporting and Other Commercial Opportunities Related to Biodiversity Assets Introduction Convention on Biological Diversity: Summary of Main Objectives and Instruments The Convention on Biological Diversity Guidelines: Evolution from Revoked MP 2.186/2001 and the 2015 Brazilian Biodiversity Law (13.123/2015) Brazilian 2015 Biodiversity Law – Law 13.123/2015: Key Aspects Protection of Genetic Heritage Associated Traditional Knowledge (ATK) Benefit Sharing13 Exportation of Genetic Material Registry Requirements Penalties Conclusions References and Additional Reading Suggestions Part III: Lessons Learnt from Convergence of Knowledge Chapter 17: Lessons Learnt and Themes of Thought Conclusion Index