Participatory Research and Traditional Communication with Indigenous Peoples

Addressing Maternal Health in Indigenous Communities with Participatory Research

This research reports on decades-long processes of addressing poor maternal health in Indigenous communities in Mexico’s Guerrero State. In the formative process of their work, researchers found that cultural alienation and mistrust worsened health outcomes for Indigenous mothers. In a process of participatory research based on reciprocal respect and building trust, the researchers funded and offered support to Indigenous midwives to integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices alongside Western medicine. They also trained health personnel to be more understanding and respectful of Indigenous practices. This intercultural approach reduced birth complications in the pilot communities compared to controls, with no negative health side effects of integrating the two knowledge approaches to maternal care. This research indicates the importance and potential of integrating Indigenous knowledge into development work.

The Role of Traditional Communicators in Promoting Climate Change Adaptation

Development work to combat conflict and climate issues sometimes suffers from a disconnect between those developing the programs and the program’s target audiences. To understand opportunities for effective dialogue and messaging about development programs, researchers looked at Kanyeleng performances in the Gambia, which are women-led song and dance performances that often identify social problems and communicate Indigenous knowledge and solutions. The researchers studied these performances and presented how the Kanyeleng traditional form of communication and its place in society enables mediation and integration between Western and Indigenous knowledge to address climate crises. This research highlights how working with Indigenous systems and modes of communication can play a vital role in effective engagement and development.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!