The interaction of Indigenous Local Knowledge and scientific knowledge as a catalyst for sustainable development. The case of food systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Summary

Sustainable food systems are a key development challenge in the Amazon regions of Ecuador. To address the multidimensional complexity of sustainable food systems, it is primordial to acknowledge the potential of different knowledge systems and their interactions. Different knowledge systems (referred to as Indigenous and Local Knowledge ILK or Traditional Ecological knowledge TEK) are embedded in a remarkable diversity of cultures that articulate a more holistic, systemic, and integrative worldview. The interaction of different knowledge systems, including but not limited to academic scientific knowledge, might inform inclusive innovations that can enhance more sustainable and healthier food systems. 
Within this context, the collaboration between Ghent University (Belgium) and IKIAM (Ecuador), together with external organisations, aims at :
1. Understanding how the interaction of different knowledge systems might inform inclusive innovations that can enhance more sustainable and healthier food systems; 
2. render  IKIAM’s research and education activities more relevant for local people and stakeholders; and 
3. prepare a large scale, more comprehensive future research proposal (such as a VLIR TEAMS).
Four distinct but interrelated Work Packages (WPs) have been defined. WP1 aims at mapping the Kichwa foodscape ‘from within’, i.e. starting from a Kichwa cosmovision, and using Kichwa cultural and epistemological frames of reference. WP2 captures how three different types of external actors understand the Kichwa foodscape. The third WP explores possible scenarios for inclusive innovation to enhance more sustainable and healthier food systems. Finally, WP4 will integrate the insights from the former WPs, organize learning and exchange between Kichwa, PUCE, WWF, Wiñak Association, Ministry of Public Health and IKIAM, and prepare a proposal for future, large-scale collaboration. 
 

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