Indigenous Knowledge Transfer Among Dusuns and Bajaus in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia: Approaches and Challenges

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is a knowledge system uniquely belonged to a particular indigenous group. Indigenous knowledge is tacit in nature as its transfer is implied through actions or statements. It is inherited from generations to generations mainly by oral traditions such as folklores, traditional songs and dances, myths, and rituals. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the approaches in transfer of indigenous knowledge related to practices in biodiversity conservation among Dusuns and Bajaus. This study applied qualitative research design, which was carried out in Kota Belud, Sabah. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion were employed to collect primary data with six informants (n=6). The data was then thematically analysed with the aid of Nvivo 8. The findings of this study revealed that the transfer of indigenous knowledge occurred in collaboration with relevant parties, establishment of cultural sites, implementation of cultural law, and social events. In light of this, this study also discovered challenges that hindered the transfer of indigenous knowledge such as change of indigenous livelihood practices, change of religious beliefs, contact with dominant and non-indigenous groups, and economic development pressure. Finally, this study concludes with recommendations for comprehensive management of indigenous knowledge that supported sustainable practices in biodiversity conservation.

Indigenous Knowledge Use and its Constraints in Drought Resilience Building: A Case of Rural Gwembe-Zambia

“…In the same vein, Nyadzi, Ajayi, and Ludwig (2021) agree further that that there was a sure trend of indigenous knowledge declining due to modernization. Similar findings were seen from Agboola et al (2015) in Nigeria and Effiong (2017) who alluded to lack of inputs and credit facilities, irritating odor of organic product, labour intensiveness in some farming systems, Weak intergenerational transfer as a constraint tends to be similar to the findings of Adam, Othman and Halim (2021), which showed a common observation that Agriculture Indigenous Knowledge (AIK) was slowly becoming extinct due to weak intergenerational information transfer.…”

Indigenous Knowledge Documentation: Perspectives of Dusun and Bajau Communities in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

“…In addition, indigenous knowledge is transmitted by various oral traditions such as folklore, traditional songs and dances, myths, and rituals. Due to its oral and practical nature in transmission, recent evidence reported by Adam et al (2021) suggests that indigenous peoples face difficulties such as changes in indigenous livelihood practices, changes in religious belief, contact with dominant nonindigenous societies, and loss of indigenous institutions. These difficulties hinder the transmission of indigenous knowledge from taking place efficiently as indigenous peoples are detaching themselves from their traditional identities.…”