• Indigenous knowledge

Indigenous knowledge

This comprehensive study aims to contribute to the definition of demand-led communication and advisory services aimed at pastoralists in Eritrea. This might be achieved through a better understanding of their indigenous knowledge on livestock production and natural resources management and their own sources and channels of information, as a prerequisite for future field activities.

The study draws on the knowledge of one of the largest pastoralist groups in Eritrea. Their body of knowledge is broadly categorised as: animal production, animal husbandry and ethno-vetinary knowledge. Further to this, the report also details communication processes and information systems among pastoralists, including customary political and authority structures involved in development-focused issues.

The report concludes with a number of suggestions in reconsidering pastoral indigenous knowledge and information systems. These include:

• the extensive use of pastoralist images, concepts and vocabulary may be used in designing and communicating effective extension messages. To deliver these messages, radio is probably the most appropriate medium, given its wide diffusion and utilisation in rural areas
• using indigenous knowledge could also lead to increased participation of pastoralists in pastoral development projects and could be a starting point for supporting grassroots institutions (such as herders’ associations and groups) that can back up technical and social interventions
• further research aimed at recording and using the rich indigenous knowledge of Eritrean pastoralists should be supported.

[adapted from author]

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