Indigenous Knowledge Inquiries : A Methodologies Manual for Development

Contents: 1. Introduction to indigenous knowledge projects: i. Introduction. ii. Definition. iii. Background. iv. Justification. v. Methodology. 2. Design and management of indigenous knowledge projects: i. Design and management of projects. ii. Project design considerations. iii. The indigenous knowledge cube -- a decision framework. iv. The cube axes. v. Eight indigenous knowledge project scenarios. vi. Project and team management. 3. Tool box of methods for indigenous knowledge projects: i. Tools and analysis for indigenous knowledge projects. ii. Participant-observation. iii. Interviewing/discussion. iv. Wealth ranking/well-being or vulnerability ranking/social mapping. v. Mapping. vi. Venn (or Chapati) diagramming/institution analysis. viii. Farmwalk. viii. Transect. ix. Seasonal calendar/pattern chart. x. Taxonomies. xi. Webbing. xii. Flow chart/process diagram. xiii. Historical comparison/time lines. xiv. Group discussion/focus groups. xv. Participatory technology analysis. xvi. Strengths and weaknesses. xvii. Sorting and ranking. xviii. Matrix. xix. Five questions. xx. Problem/option census. xxi. Brainstorming. xxii. Assessment workshops/envisioning. xxiii. Data analysis tools. 4. Further sources and references for indigenous knowledge projects: i. Some key reference. ii. Some indigenous knowledge newsletters. iii. Some indigenous knowledge websites. iv. Some participation websites and handbooks. Bibliography. Index.  

"Indigenous Knowledge Inquiries is an essential manual for designing international development projects to be informed by indigenous knowledge.

This practical book offers a range of approaches from how to design and manage a research project with a quick and limited indigenous knowledge component, to how to construct projects intended to involve a more long-term and thorough indigenous knowledge investigation. It sets out guidelines on project design that take into account scope of objectives, time and costs involved. It examines the critical issue of effective team functioning, presenting options for reducing conflict, and for effectively addressing the views of all primary stakeholders.

Including coverage of novel topics such as computer-aided analysis of qualitative data, and the use of cross-cultural research staff, and remaining critically aware of contemporary reflective practice, this is a wide-ranging and insightful guide for all those with any level of interest in indigenous knowledge.

A key handbook for international development project managers, anthropologists, and researchers and students of indigenous knowledge." (jacket)