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|  | The role of indigenous and local knowledge in climate change adaptation in forest dependent communities in Fiji
Author:Astwood, Michelle
Institution: University of the South Pacific.
Award: M.Sc.
Subject: Indigenous peoples -- Ecology -- Fiji, Traditional ecological knowledge -- Fiji, Climatic changes -- Social aspects -- Fiji
Date: 2016
Call No.: Pac GF 852 .F5 A88 2016
BRN: 1208369
Copyright:Over 80% of this thesis may be copied without the authors written permission
Abstract: Climate change issues facing Pacific Island countries are both immediate and mid to long term. Adaptation measures play a key role in addressing these issues. Climate change is known to directly affect forest and forest-based livelihoods. The indigenous and local knowledge held by forest-dependent communities can offer insight into effective mechanisms for resilience and adaption to climate change in the future. This research examines the impacts of climate change on the livelihoods of forest dependent villages in Fiji. It recognizes the relationship between forest ecosystem services and indigenous and local knowledge. It highlights coping and response strategies that villagers employ to address changes in climate and weather. The theoretical approach adopted is embedded in complex systems theory. Grounded theory is its methodological approach, whereby theory emerged from the data by coding, creation of categories and forming relationships between themes emerging about forest ecosystem services and indigenous and local knowledge and climate change adaptation. The study involved twenty in-depth semi-structured interviews and participant observation in two villages, Nabukelevu and Nanoko villages, in Fiji. Results indicate that villagers rely on forest ecosystem services for their livelihoods, and that associated with these are specific types of indigenous and local knowledge, for example knowledge on gathering wild foods, medicines and building materials. Villagers have observed changes in climate and weather that have affected their livelihood activities and forest ecosystem services, and employ coping and response strategies using indigenous and local forest related knowledge to address some of these observed changes. These findings intend to add to the understanding of how indigenous and local knowledge can be used in local adaptation measures.
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