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

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