|
MINGAS: MINGAS IN MACIZO (Cauca, Valle de las Papas), CALI, AND AMAZONIA (Leticia) - COLOMBIA
The main goal of this project was to document “Mingas de pensamiento” as a frame to develop evaluation processes collaboratively. A key lesson learned in the implementation of this project was the need to reach agreements, on both form and content with and from within the community. For this, two virtual meetings were held with the communities` representatives - one with the Yanakuna Tribe from the Colombian Massif and the Ahuacuna group from Cali; and another with the leaders of the Convite in Amazonas- to introduce the project and coordinate a common purpose and scope. With their collaboration, a documentary then allowed for a reflective synthesis on the experiences, structuring the script in the ancestral knowledge system of the Andean world, known as the Chakana or Southern Cross, which includes four dimensions: Spiritual, Material, Emotions and Reason/Knowledge. The documentary (below, right) and its trailer (below, left) were completed and translated into English to facilitate access for different audiences. |
|
|
|
|
Traditional Decision-Making: Developing Indigenous Evaluation Methodologies with Kenyan Communities
|
Project Overview
In 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 work 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 culturally responsive Indigenous evaluation. |
|
Video clips (below) 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. Below are the YouTube clips and some pictures from their work, and you can also read their Blog post about their visit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indigenous Decision-Making Traditions of the Indigenous Community of Sri Lanka: Developing Indigenous Methodologies for Evaluation
The purpose of this study was to enter into discussions about Indigenous decision-making traditions, including if and how they might be incorporated into Indigenous evaluation methodologies. This project also built on, and was possible because of, the relationships developed with the Indigenous communities in Sri Lanka (Veddah) during the first phase of the EvalIndigenous continuation grant. The study design consisted of a qualitative research method which primarily used key informant interviews to explore Indigenous perspectives on decision-making and local evaluation practices in Sri Lanka. The study captured the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous community leaders and members through in-depth interviews, including documented video interviews under the EvalIndigenous Voices project.
|
|
