Blossoming projects focus on the collaborative development, with Indigenous peoples, of evaluation methodologies that reflect Indigenous decision-making processes and ways of knowing, being and doing.
Kenya, 2024-25
In the month of December 2024, Dr. Awuor Ponge assisted by Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEEs), Collins Oduka Odhiambo and Aisha Adhiambo Awuor and the Videographer, Abdulmalik Shilingi Fumbweh, visited the Ogiek indigenous community living in Mariashoni region of the Mau Forest. The purpose was to engage with individuals as well as the community, in collaboratively developing an approach that can help evaluators in working with indigenous communities. The study was approached from the perspective of evaluation as decision-making and trying to find out from the community, how decision-making can help inform evaluation process.
The video clips below will provide an insightful glimpse into the Ogiek community's unique approaches to project evaluation and development. Through the voices of individuals such as Stephen Lelei, Benaline Cheptoo, Cosmas Sigei, Emily Cheptoo, Donald Kipkoech, and representatives from the Ogiek People's Development Program (OPDP), these clips highlight the community's reliance on traditional structures, elder-led decision-making, and participatory methods to assess the effectiveness of initiatives. The Ogiek emphasise the importance of cultural preservation, grassroots engagement, and education in evaluating projects that impact their livelihoods and environment. These stories shed light on how traditional knowledge systems intersect with modern development practices to create sustainable solutions.
Each clip underscores the significant role of elders in guiding decisions and resolving conflicts within the Ogiek community. From natural resource management to family disputes and project implementation, elders act as custodians of wisdom and impartial decision-makers. The clips collectively emphasise that effective project evaluation in Indigenous contexts requires respecting local customs, building trust through transparent communication, and addressing systemic challenges such as land tenure issues and climate change. These narratives not only celebrate the resilience of the Ogiek people but also offer valuable lessons for inclusive and culturally sensitive development practices.
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In September 2024 Dr. Awuor Ponge and Grace Wanjiru Murigo) travelled to Kilifi County in the Coastal region of Kenya to complete the study on the remaining Kayas namely: Kaya Ribe, Kaya Kambe and Kaya Jibana.The Study was titled, Traditional Decision-Making: Developing Indigenous Evaluation Methodologies with Kenyan Communities, Below are the YouTube clips and some pictures from their work, and you can also read their Blog post about their visit.
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