Kendi Borona
Pictures: From Top to bottom, left to right.
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1. Talking circle. Participant makes a contribution while holding a gourd.
2. Indigenous Gikuyu dish, Mukimo
3. Participant showcases pictures of himself as a young Mau Mau. I am holding a picture of Field Marshall, Dedan Kimathi.
4. Participant showcases indigenous tree seeds.
5. Participants peeling potatoes - food preparation as learning and knowledge production.
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My doctoral research focused on understanding people-forest relationships through Indigenous Knowledge Systems. I worked with the Agikuyu people who live around Kenya's Nyandarwa [Aberdare] forest. I wanted to conduct research that was culturally appropriate, and meaningful to the community. I endeavored to make the research project as community-driven as possible by involving research participants as co-researchers. Participants were involved in formulating research questions and analyzing data. I privileged Indigenous ways of knowing to create spaces for learning and sharing knowledge. We used a combination of methods to engage in discussions:
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1. Talking circles
2. Use of cultural objects
3. Narration of stories
3. Song
4. Experiential activities - planting trees, cooking together, sharing seeds
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