Search Results (354)

This study investigates farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and adaptation strategies to climate change in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, integrating social and physical science approaches. Analyzing meteorological data (1981–2021) and surveys from 204 farmers across five districts, we assessed climate trends and adaptation behaviors using statistical methods (descriptive statistics, Chi-square, logistic regression, Regional Kendall test, dynamic linear state-space model). Results show that 85% of farmers acknowledge climate change, with 54% observing temperature increases and 37% noting rainfall declines. Climate data confirm significant rises in annual minimum (+0.76 °C/decade) and mean temperatures (+0.48 °C/decade), with the largest seasonal increase (+0.86 °C/decade) in June–August. Rainfall trends indicate a non-significant decrease in March–May and a slight increase in September–December. Farmers report crop failures, yield reductions, and food shortages as major climate impacts. Common adaptations include agroforestry, crop diversification, and fertilizer use, though financial limitations, information gaps, and input scarcity impede adoption. Despite limited formal education (53.9% primary, 22.3% no formal education), indigenous knowledge aids seasonal prediction. Farm location, group membership, and farming goal are key adaptation enablers. These findings emphasize the need for targeted policies and climate communication to enhance rural resilience by strengthening smallholder farmer support systems for effective climate adaptation. Full article

The Mutanchis, known by their derogatory exonymic term ‘Lepcha’, are autochthonous to Sikkim, India. The name ‘Mutanchi’ derives from the phrase ‘Mutanchi Rumkup Rongkup’, eliciting the response ‘Achulay’, meaning ‘Beloved children of It-bu-mu, who have come from the snowy peaks’. The nomenclature prompts an ontological understanding rooted in the community’s eco-geographical context. Despite possessing a well-developed script categorised within the Tibeto-Burman language family, the Mutanchis remain a largely oral community. Their diminishing, scarcely documented repository of Mutanchi clan narratives underscores this orality. As a Mutanchi, I recognise these narratives as a medium for expressing Indigenous value systems upheld by my community and specific villages. Mutanchi clan narratives embody spiritual and cultural significance, yet their fantastic rationale reveals complex epistemological tensions. Ideally, each Mutanchi clan reveres a chyu (peak), lhep (cave), and doh (lake), which are propitiated annually and on specific occasions. The transmigration of an apil (soul) is tied to these three sacred spatial geographies, unique to each clan. Additionally, clan etiological explanations, situated within natural or supernatural habitats, manifest beliefs, values, and norms rooted in a deep ecology. This article presents an ecosophical study of selected Mutanchi clan narratives from Dzongu, North Sikkim—a region that partially lies within the UNESCO Khangchendzonga Man-Biosphere Reserve. Conducted in close consultation with clan members and in adherence to the ethical protocols, this study examines clans in Dzongu governed by Indigenous knowledge systems embedded in their narratives, highlighting biocentric perspectives that shape Mutanchi lifeways. Full article

This article examines the persistent conceptual and structural obstacles that pluralism faces within the Euro-United-Statesian art system, particularly in the fields of criticism, art history, and aesthetics. The study situates its inquiry within broader debates around the politics of difference and the decolonization of knowledge, aiming to understand how theoretical frameworks historically incorporated plurality in ways that ultimately neutralize its disruptive potential. Methodologically, the article combines philosophical analysis with a critical rereading of canonical texts by figures such as Clement Greenberg and Arthur Danto, juxtaposed with insights from Indigenous, Black, and decolonial thinkers. The findings suggest that pluralism, while rhetorically embraced, is frequently rendered compatible with a teleological and universalizing narrative that privileges Western aesthetic trajectories. As a result, forms of difference are tolerated only insofar as they can be translated into hegemonic terms. The article concludes by advocating for critical practices that sustain rather than resolve difference, calling for frameworks capable of embracing dissonance, incommensurability, and multiple ontologies without collapsing them into sameness. In doing so, it repositions the contemporary struggle over meaning in art not as a problem to be overcome, but as a necessary symptom of epistemic plurality. Full article

Meiotic recombination is a key evolutionary process that generates novel allele combinations during prophase I of meiosis, promoting genetic diversity and enabling the selection of desirable traits in livestock breeding. Although its molecular mechanisms are well-characterised in model organisms such as humans and mice, studies in African indigenous cattle, particularly South African breeds, remain scarce. Key regulators of recombination, including PRDM9, SPO11, and DMC1, play essential roles in crossover formation and genome stability, with mutations in these genes often linked to fertility defects. Despite the Bonsmara and Nguni breeds’ exceptional adaptability to arid and resource-limited environments, little is known about how recombination contributes to their unique genetic architecture and adaptive traits. This review synthesises the current knowledge on the molecular basis of meiotic recombination, with a focus on prophase I events and associated structural proteins and enzymes. It also highlights the utility of genome-wide tools, particularly high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for recombination mapping. By focusing on the underexplored recombination landscape in South African beef cattle, this review identifies key knowledge gaps. It outlines how recombination studies can inform breeding strategies aimed at enhancing genetic improvement, conservation, and the long-term sustainability of local beef production systems. Full article

The call to decolonize South African university curricula continues to shape academic discourse, highlighting the urgency of integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKSs) into theological education. While Western epistemologies have long dominated theology in Africa, this article argues for a paradigm shift by positioning public theology as a viable framework for engaging AIKS in meaningful and transformative ways. The article examines how AIKSs—expressed through oral traditions, communal spiritualities, and indigenous ethics—can enrich theological discourse, enhance contextual relevance, and address issues such as social justice, identity, and community cohesion. Drawing on the decoloniality discourse, this study critically explores the epistemological, institutional, and pedagogical challenges hindering integration and proposes concrete strategies including curriculum reform, faculty training, and community-based theological formation. The article contributes to the decolonization of theological education by offering a context-specific framework that repositions AIKSs as legitimate theological resources. In doing so, it advances a model of public theology that is inclusive, rooted in African realities, and responsive to the transformative needs of Southern African societies. Full article

Arceuthobium—the dwarf mistletoes—is a clearly defined genus of hemi-parasitic plants in the family Viscaceae. The genus occurs throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere; however, the greatest concentration of species and subspecies occurs within coniferous forests of western North America, where considerable research was executed in the mid-to-late 20th century to determine their geographic distributions, host specializations, and taxonomic boundaries. However, the last monograph of Arceuthobium presenting morphological, phenological, phylogenetic, and physiological information for N. American dwarf mistletoes was published in 1996, and since that time, no subsequent publications have presented taxonomic information for the present classification of N. American Arceuthobium. Thus, herein, we provide updated phylogenetic and taxonomic data for 44 taxa of Arceuthobium indigenous to N. America while simultaneously addressing knowledge gaps and suggesting future research to improve our understanding of these ecologically and economically important forest tree parasites. The present classification systems for and recent treatments of N. American Arceuthobium are also discussed. Full article

Subfossil trees in growth position and their associated organic sediments serve as valuable archives of past ecologies, shedding light on coastal forest responses to post-Glacial sea-level rise. This paper offers an overview of the significance of drowned forests as both ecological and cultural records, with particular emphasis on Australian Indigenous connections to these landscapes. Indigenous use of and cultural connections to coastal trees and forests in Australian contexts are outlined, along with an overview of the formation and preservation processes of submerged forests and the methodological approaches used to study them. Case studies from across Australia illustrate the diversity of these records and their relevance to both science and heritage. The paper highlights the need for a regional database of subfossil trees and peats and underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge systems to deepen our understanding of environmental and cultural change. Full article

The North American Great Lakes offer a dynamic case study of inundated cultural landscapes. These bodies of water and the life around them have never been static. While submerged lands offer avenues for archaeological research, it is essential to first understand that these cultural landscapes have also been flooded with invasive power dynamics through settler colonialism. For example, the land and water systems in Anishinaabe Akiing (the northern Great Lakes) have fundamentally shifted from flourishing life systems to poisoned areas and now struggle to deal with invasive species. When seeking to learn from or otherwise engage Indigenous knowledge, it is essential to work from a perspective that takes all these changes into consideration. There are Indigenous communities who are interested in these inundated landscapes, and in this research, but a pause, naandamo, is needed to ethically consider the ongoing process of settler colonialism and Indigenous perspectives. Here we address ethical considerations for researchers participating in, or interested in participating in, submerged site research. By incorporating settler colonialism as a methodology of understanding, we will provide an ethical starting place for working with Indigenous communities and inundated landscapes. Full article

‘Asprinio’ grape is used to produce a white wine from the Campania region, known as ‘Asprinio’ (DOC since 1993). A plethora of approaches was adopted to characterize the organic compounds (e.g., free amino acids and other metabolites) and microbial population (bacteria and fungi) in ‘Asprinio’ grape must by collecting samples from three different vineyards cultivated with the ‘alberata’ training system. The average free amino acid content of ‘Asprinio’ grape must showed quantitative variations, but no significant statistical differences were found. On average, proline was the most abundant free amino acid (~282 mg/L; 47.9%), followed by arginine (~66 mg/L; 11.5%) and glutamine (~25.2 mg/L; 4.2%). On the other hand, the total polyphenol content (TPC) of ‘Asprinio’ grape must was different, like their antioxidant activity, which increased when the TPC content was higher. Moreover, 1D and 2D NMR spectra highlighted the presence of high sugars amount (in particular glucose) as well as trans-caftaric acid, trans-coutaric acid, trans-fertaric acid, and the cis-isomers of these cinnamate esters. Finally, the evaluation of the microbial communities in the ‘Asprinio’ grape must revealed the presence of several representative bacterial phyla—mainly Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota—as well as various fungal genera, including Cladosporium, Hanseniaspora, Aspergillus, and Saccharomyces. Notably, these microorganisms, which contribute to the fermentation process and influence the final wine flavor, have been found in different proportions in the grape musts analyzed. Our results contribute to increasing knowledge of the ‘Asprinio’ grape, an indigenous vine of Southern Italy. Full article

Indigenous top-priority fruit trees, like Vangueria infausta subsp. infausta. Burch (wild medlar), are essential for food security, climate resilience, and biodiversity. However, they remain underutilized due to limited documentation and integration into agricultural systems. This study presents the first ethnobotanical assessment of the wild medlar in Oyemeni, northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Surveys and interviews were conducted with 100 rural participants to explore its traditional uses, commercialization potential, and knowledge transmission. The findings reveal that the fruit is widely used in porridges, juices, and traditional beer, offering nutritional benefits such as vitamin C. Medicinally, it is valued for promoting oral health, wound healing, and spiritual protection. However, traditional knowledge is declining, particularly among the youth, due to generational shifts and modernization. The study highlights sustainable commercialization opportunities, such as value-added products and agroforestry integration, while emphasizing the need to preserve indigenous knowledge. These findings contribute to food security, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation in a changing socio-economic landscape. Future research should focus on biochemical evaluation of the plant’s medicinal properties and cross-regional comparisons. Full article

This study explores the ethnobotanical significance of plant species used in the Heet Sip Song (Twelve Monthly Merit-Making) ceremonies in Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand. A total of 80 plant species across 73 genera and 42 families were documented. The findings reveal that plants play multifaceted roles in ceremonial life, serving both symbolic and practical purposes rooted in spiritual belief systems and seasonal agricultural cycles. Quantitative analyses using Cultural Significance Index (CSI), Species Use Value (SUV), Genera Use Value (GUV), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) highlighted the prominence of key species such as Oryza sativa, Musa acuminata, and Saccharum officinarum in ritual contexts. While staple crops dominate in frequency and cultural value, less commonly cited wild species fulfill specialized functions, reflecting deep local ecological knowledge. The integration of ritual and plant use promotes biodiversity conservation by maintaining plant populations and reinforcing sustainable harvesting practices. These results emphasize the vital role of traditional knowledge in conserving both biological and cultural diversity. As environmental pressures increase, this study underscores the importance of supporting community-led conservation efforts that honor indigenous practices and their contributions to ecological resilience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traditional nutritional knowledge, shaped by centuries of cultural and ecological adaptation, offers holistic and sustainable dietary frameworks that remain highly relevant to modern health challenges. However, current digital nutrition platforms often fail to reflect this diversity, relying instead on standardized models with limited cultural sensitivity. This paper aims to explore how traditional nutritional wisdom can be integrated into digital health platforms to promote more inclusive and effective approaches to personalized nutrition. Methods: This perspective paper employs a cultural adaptation framework to analyze the integration of traditional food knowledge into digital contexts. Drawing from interdisciplinary research across nutrition science, anthropology, digital health and implementation science, we utilize the Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) Framework and the PEN-3 Cultural Model to structure our analysis. A systematic scoping review of literature published between 2010 and 2025 was conducted to identify integration challenges and opportunities. Additionally, we analyzed case studies of three traditional dietary systems (Argentina, Italy and Japan) and evaluated five leading digital nutrition platforms for their degree of cultural inclusivity, using qualitative comparative methods. Results: The analysis highlights significant challenges in adapting traditional knowledge to digital formats, including standardization barriers, contextual loss and technological limitations. However, successful integration initiatives demonstrate that through participatory design, flexible data architectures and culturally-informed algorithms, traditional food systems can be meaningfully represented. Our proposed four-phase integration framework—documentation, digital adaptation, implementation and evaluation—provides a structured approach for developers and researchers. Conclusions: Bridging traditional nutrition with digital platforms represents a vital opportunity to enhance personalization and preserve food heritage while improving health outcomes for diverse populations. This integration requires interdisciplinary collaboration, user-centered design processes and ethical approaches that respect cultural ownership and context. Full article

This article explores the integration of “Ayatutu”, a communal philosophy from Nigeria’s Tiv people, into mathematics education frameworks. Ayatutu—embodying collective responsibility and mutual assistance—aligns with contemporary cooperative learning approaches while offering unique cultural dimensions. Through analysis of the ethnomathematics literature, indigenous knowledge systems, and cooperative learning theories this article develops a theoretical framework for Ayatutu-based mathematics instruction built on the following five core elements: collective problem-solving, resource sharing, complementary expertise, process orientation, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The framework demonstrates significant alignment with sociocultural learning theory, communities of practice, and critical pedagogy while also offering potential benefits including enhanced mathematical engagement, positive identity development, stronger learning communities, and cultural sustainability. Implementation challenges involving teacher preparation, structural constraints, cultural translation, and balancing individual with collective learning are examined. This research contributes to decolonizing mathematics education by positioning indigenous philosophical systems as valuable resources for creating culturally responsive and mathematically powerful learning environments that serve diverse student populations while honoring cultural wisdom. Full article

This essay examines Diego Valadés, a Franciscan missionary, as a Renaissance “curioso” whose life and work were driven by insatiable inquisitiveness and a desire to acquire knowledge. Through his Rhetorica Christiana, Valadés, much like collectors of cabinets of curiosities and Wunderkammer, celebrated the richness of indigenous cultures in New Spain. Following the Renaissance ethos of curiosity-driven exploration that fostered a global pursuit of knowledge, Valadés’ work functions as a textual cabinet of curiosity, reflecting his experiences in New Spain and incorporating indigenous flora, fauna, and cultural elements unfamiliar to European readers. His text, originally intended to be titled Suma de todas las ciencias, embodies a new and modern knowledge system that is encyclopedic and proto-scientific in nature. However, Valadés’ intellectual pursuits were constrained by the conservative court of Philip II, where intellectual freedom often faced scrutiny. His work bridges the Renaissance’s intellectual curiosity with mnemonic practices, illustrating how collecting and memory techniques were intertwined in expanding the global understanding of the natural world. Full article

Psychedelic plants and fungi have been traditionally used in many cultures as part of ritual ceremonies and ancient medicinal treatments. In some regions, these psychoactive plants have already entered mainstream discourse through popular literature and art. Today, numerous academic and medical institutions are establishing dedicated departments to examine the benefits and risks of psychedelic-assisted treatments. Entheogens in healing practices and herbal medicine are part of Slavic cultural heritage. However, due to the predominantly oral transmission of this knowledge, there is a significant lack of written sources and a profound gap in documentation regarding entheogen use on the Balkan Peninsula, where many psychoactive plants and mushrooms grow in their natural habitat. Our work aims to bridge indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary therapeutic discourse, while advocating for sustainable, inclusive, and culturally respectful research practices. This review manuscript presents information on Slavic ancient entheogens, and calls for further multidisciplinary, integrative approaches in researching psychoactive plants and mushrooms of the Balkans. Our paper includes the ethnobotanical uses of native Balkan entheogens, outlines the pharmacological mechanisms of their main active compounds, and discusses their impacts on social behavior, mental health, and overall well-being. We also examine their therapeutic potential and risks, contributing to the contemporary understanding of psychoactive and psychedelic use in mental health treatment and beyond, as tools for life enhancement to improve quality of life and well-being. Full article