Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Robert Chirima This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7384456/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study explores the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in promoting climate resilience and economic empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced shocks. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with local farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and community elders. Guided by a decolonial and human capabilities approach, the study interrogates the intersections between cultural heritage, sustainable livelihoods, and local adaptation strategies. Data were analysed thematically to identify patterns of knowledge transmission, adaptive practices, and community-led innovation. Key findings reveal that traditional ecological knowledge, agroecological methods, and informal economic networks serve as crucial, yet underrecognized, tools for enhancing resilience and livelihood security. However, structural barriers such as policy marginalization and lack of institutional support inhibit the full integration of IKS into national development planning. The research contributes original insights into how local knowledge systems can serve as catalysts for inclusive, culturally rooted development, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It offers a compelling argument for reconfiguring development paradigms to centre Indigenous agency in climate adaptation and economic transformation within the Caribbean SIDS context. Cultural Studies Indigenous Knowledge Climate Resilience Economic Empowerment Small Island Developing States St. Kitts and Nevis Figures Figure 1 INTRODUCTION Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face disproportionate challenges from climate change and global economic inequities. With limited geographic size, resource bases, and economic diversification, these states—such as St. Kitts and Nevis—remain particularly vulnerable to environmental and socio-economic shocks. Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, biodiversity loss, and economic dependencies on tourism and imported goods collectively exacerbate structural fragility (Mycoo, 2018). While international development frameworks often promote technological interventions and external aid to address these vulnerabilities, they frequently overlook the vast reservoir of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) embedded within local communities. This research argues that harnessing indigenous knowledge can provide transformative pathways to climate resilience and economic empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis, contributing to sustainable development rooted in cultural continuity and self-determination. Indigenous Knowledge Systems refer to the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs developed by local communities through generations of interaction with their environment (Berkes, 2012). These systems are adaptive, deeply contextual, and often holistic—integrating ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions. In the Caribbean context, indigenous knowledge is not limited to pre-Columbian practices but includes Afro-Caribbean traditions, Maroon resilience strategies, herbal medicine, oral storytelling, community governance, and localized agroecological methods (Turner & Clifton, 2009; McMillan & Prosper, 2016). In St. Kitts and Nevis, such knowledge has historically underpinned subsistence farming, artisanal fishing, natural disaster coping strategies, and informal economies—yet remains largely excluded from formal development planning and policy. Contemporary development discourses have begun to acknowledge the epistemic value of indigenous knowledge, particularly in advancing climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes the role of local knowledge in fostering community-based resilience and enhancing adaptive capacity (IPCC, 2022). Similarly, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 13 (Climate Action)—emphasize inclusive, participatory, and culturally relevant approaches to development. However, operationalizing these frameworks in SIDS contexts often falls short of engaging local epistemologies meaningfully, perpetuating top-down models that undermine indigenous agency and local innovation (Ford et al., 2016; Escobar, 2018). This study is situated within a broader scholarly call to decolonize development practice by centring community knowledge systems and lived experience in the Global South (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013). Drawing on a decolonial theoretical lens and the Human Capabilities Approach (Sen, 1999), the research critically interrogates the dominant paradigms of climate adaptation and economic planning in St. Kitts and Nevis. The decolonial approach challenges the hierarchies of knowledge that privilege Western scientific frameworks while silencing local voices. Simultaneously, the Capabilities Approach provides a normative framework that emphasizes the enhancement of individual and collective freedoms to achieve valued ways of living. Together, these frameworks offer a robust lens through which to evaluate the role of IKS in achieving both resilience and economic empowerment. Methodologically, this research adopts a qualitative, field-based approach to explore how indigenous knowledge is mobilized, transmitted, and integrated into community responses to climate and economic challenges. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with local farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and elders across rural and coastal communities in St. Kitts and Nevis. The study employed purposive sampling to engage participants with lived experience and intergenerational knowledge. Data were analysed thematically, allowing for the identification of recurring patterns and emergent narratives related to climate coping strategies, livelihood innovation, cultural practices, and socio-political barriers. Preliminary findings highlight the vibrancy and relevance of indigenous knowledge in areas such as land rotation, drought-resistant crops, herbal medicine, rainwater harvesting, and cooperative economics. For instance, traditional "slash-and-mulch" farming methods have proven more sustainable than chemically intensive monoculture farming, particularly in sloped terrains prone to erosion. Local fishers’ knowledge of tidal patterns and migratory cycles has contributed to adaptive practices in the face of declining marine stocks. Women-led informal economies—based on traditional crafts, food processing, and herbal remedies—play a vital role in community resilience and economic inclusion, particularly during tourism downturns or external shocks such as COVID-19. Yet, the study also uncovers persistent structural challenges. These include the lack of institutional recognition for indigenous practices, limited policy frameworks supporting community-led adaptation, erosion of intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the marginalization of indigenous voices in decision-making forums. National development plans often favour external technological solutions or donor-driven models, creating a disconnect between local needs and official strategies (Baptiste et al., 2017). Such tensions illustrate the urgent need for a paradigm shift that integrates indigenous knowledge not as supplementary but as foundational to sustainable development in SIDS. This research makes an original contribution to development studies by bridging the gap between indigenous epistemologies and mainstream climate and economic policy. It challenges linear, technocratic approaches to resilience and offers evidence for a relational, place-based model that acknowledges cultural identity, historical continuity, and social agency. In doing so, the study responds directly to the European Journal of Development Research’s call for interdisciplinary, empirical, and critical engagement with the challenges of the Global South. By focusing on St. Kitts and Nevis, the research provides a situated analysis that can inform broader regional and international efforts to build equitable, resilient futures rooted in local capacities. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES To explore the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in enhancing community-based climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in St. Kitts and Nevis. To examine the socio-cultural, political, and institutional factors that enable or hinder the integration of indigenous knowledge into national development and climate adaptation policies. To identify and analyze indigenous economic practices that contribute to local empowerment and propose context-specific strategies for inclusive, culturally rooted development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). RESEARCH QUESTIONS How do Indigenous Knowledge Systems contribute to local strategies for climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods in St. Kitts and Nevis? Aligned SDGs: SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 2: Zero Hunger. What are the key enablers and barriers to mainstreaming indigenous knowledge in climate and development policy in St. Kitts and Nevis? Aligned SDGs: SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. What indigenous economic practices exist in St. Kitts and Nevis, and how can they be leveraged for inclusive economic empowerment and sustainable development? Aligned SDGs: SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 5: Gender Equality. Theory of Change The Theory of Change (ToC) based on the research objectives and SDG alignment. Ultimate Impact: Enhanced climate resilience , economic empowerment , and sustainable development in St. Kitts and Nevis through the recognition, integration, and scaling of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). Key Components: Table1 : key components of the theory of change Inputs Activities Outputs Outcomes Impact - Community knowledge and practices - Local stakeholders (elders, farmers, women, youth) - Research tools (qualitative methods) - Policy and SDG frameworks - Conduct interviews and FGDs - Map IKS-based practices - Stakeholder engagement workshops - Policy analysis - Documented indigenous practices - Identified policy gaps - Community recommendations - Knowledge-sharing briefs - Increased awareness of IKS among policymakers - Strengthened community voice in adaptation planning - Inclusion of IKS in policy and local economic strategies - Strengthened resilience to climate shocks - Empowered local economies (esp. women and youth) - Contextualized, inclusive development policy Pathway Narrative: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), when meticulously documented and disseminated through participatory approaches, hold immense potential for fostering sustainable development. This pathway posits that the systematic recording and sharing of IKS, coupled with the active engagement of policymakers, development planners, and communities in the co-creation of climate and economic strategies, yield significant benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis. The anticipated outcome is threefold: enhanced institutional recognition of IKS, amplified community agency, and the cultivation of more sustainable and inclusive climate resilience and livelihood models. By integrating IKS into mainstream policy and planning, a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to development can be achieved, ultimately leading to greater community empowerment and long-term sustainability. Key Assumptions: The successful integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into broader societal frameworks hinges on several key assumptions. Firstly, it presupposes that communities are willing to share their IKS. This willingness is not guaranteed and depends on factors such as trust, reciprocity, and the perceived potential for exploitation or misuse of their knowledge. Secondly, it assumes that policymakers are receptive to incorporating alternative knowledge systems alongside conventional approaches. This requires a shift in mindset, acknowledging the value and relevance of IKS in addressing contemporary challenges. Finally, it necessitates the existence, or the potential development, of institutional mechanisms that effectively incorporate community voices into decision-making processes. Without such mechanisms, the integration of IKS risks becoming tokenistic, failing to genuinely empower communities or leverage the full potential of their knowledge. The validity of these assumptions is crucial for fostering meaningful collaboration and ensuring that IKS contribute effectively to sustainable development and social equity. I ndicators (Selected from SDGs): SDG 13.1.1 – Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies SDG 8.3.1 – Proportion of informal employment in total employment SDG 1.4.2 – Proportion of population with secure rights to land/resources SDG 5.a.1 – Women’s ownership or rights over agricultural land SDG 11.4.1 – Cultural heritage expenditure as % of total budget CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK This conceptual framework explores the potential of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in St. Kitts and Nevis to foster climate resilience and economic empowerment. It posits that traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and intergenerational knowledge transfer contribute to community-based adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable resource management. These pathways, in turn, bolster informal economies, traditional livelihoods, and women-led enterprises. The framework recognizes that policy, sociocultural dynamics, governance, and education systems act as enabling or inhibiting factors. Ultimately, the study aims to demonstrate how harnessing IKS can achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, economic growth, poverty reduction, sustainable communities, and gender equality, leading to decolonized development practices and integrated policy frameworks. This framework illustrates how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), when enabled by supportive Policy, active Participation, and appropriate Sociocultural Structures, can lead to SDG-aligned Sustainable Development Outcomes, particularly in the areas of Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment. The central premise is that IKS, often deeply rooted in sustainable practices, hold significant potential for addressing contemporary challenges. However, their effectiveness is contingent upon the presence of moderating factors. Policy frameworks must recognize and protect IKS, ensuring their integration into development strategies. Genuine participation of Indigenous communities is crucial, respecting their autonomy and traditional governance systems. Finally, sociocultural structures play a vital role in preserving and transmitting IKS across generations. When these factors are aligned, IKS can effectively contribute to building climate resilience, fostering economic empowerment, and achieving broader sustainable development goals. METHODOLOGY Research Design This study adopts a qualitative research design rooted in a social constructivist paradigm, which emphasizes the importance of context, lived experience, and the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their social realities (Creswell & Poth, 2018). This design is appropriate for exploring how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are understood, transmitted, and deployed by communities in St. Kitts and Nevis to address climate challenges and foster economic empowerment. A qualitative approach allows for the capture of rich, in-depth narratives and insights that quantitative methods may overlook, especially in under-researched contexts like small island developing states (SIDS). Research Approach The study follows an exploratory case study approach to examine local contexts, practices, and policy landscapes within St. Kitts and Nevis. The case study method facilitates a holistic examination of complex phenomena within their real-life settings (Yin, 2018), making it suitable for investigating the dynamic interplay between indigenous knowledge, climate resilience, and economic development in a small island context. Study Area and Context The research is conducted in St. Kitts and Nevis , a twin-island SIDS located in the Caribbean, characterized by rich biodiversity, distinct ecological zones, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. The islands have a long history of environmental vulnerability, including hurricanes, coastal erosion, and climate variability, coupled with economic shifts from sugarcane agriculture to tourism and services. These factors underscore the need for locally grounded and culturally responsive development strategies. Sampling Strategy The study utilizes purposive sampling to select participants who possess direct experience or knowledge of indigenous practices related to climate resilience and livelihoods. The sample includes: Traditional farmers and fishers , Elders and community knowledge holders, Women engaged in heritage crafts or healing practices and Local government or NGO officials involved in environmental or economic initiatives. A total of 20–25 participants will be recruited to ensure diversity across gender, age, and island geography (i.e., representation from both St. Kitts and Nevis). Data Collection Methods Data collection employs multiple qualitative methods to enhance triangulation and data richness: 1. Semi-Structured Interviews In-depth interviews will be conducted using an open-ended guide tailored to elicit participants’ experiences, beliefs, and strategies regarding indigenous knowledge use. Interview questions will explore themes such as adaptation to climate variability, livelihood practices, knowledge transmission, and the perceived value or challenges of integrating traditional and scientific knowledge. 2. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Two FGDs (one per island) will be held with 6–8 participants each, fostering collective dialogue about community norms, resilience strategies, and shared economic initiatives. 3. Participant Observation Field visits to farms, coastal areas, and community hubs will allow for the observation of practices in context. Notes will be taken on environmental interactions, rituals, or informal community exchanges that reflect local knowledge use. 4. Document Analysis Government policies, development plans, cultural preservation reports, and environmental assessments will be reviewed to assess the formal recognition and incorporation of indigenous knowledge within national development strategies. Data Analysis Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). The process involves: Familiarization with data through transcription and iterative reading. Generating initial codes linked to the research objectives. Searching for themes across data sets, e.g., climate adaptation strategies, knowledge erosion, or informal economies. Reviewing themes in light of theoretical constructs and empirical saturation. Defining and naming themes with illustrative quotes and contextual insights. Producing the report with a focus on explaining how IKS facilitates resilience and empowerment. NVivo or ATLAS.ti software may be used to manage and code qualitative data systematically. Ethical Considerations Ethical approval will be sought from the relevant institutional review board. Key ethical principles include Informed consent, Confidentiality, Voluntary participation and Respect for cultural protocols. Participants receive verbal and written explanations of the study and they signed consent forms. Data was anonymized using pseudonyms. Participants were told that they can withdraw at any time without consequence, and Engagement with elders and community leaders followed appropriate cultural practices, including gatekeeper approval and reciprocal exchanges (e.g., sharing findings or co-created community briefs). Trustworthiness and Rigor To ensure the credibility and rigor of findings, the study employs Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) four criteria for trustworthiness. Credibility was achieved via triangulation, prolonged engagement, and member checking. Transferability was addressed by providing a thick description of the context and processes. Dependability was maintained through audit trails documenting analytic decisions. Finally, confirmability was supported through reflexivity and a researcher journal. This methodology supports a rich, contextualized understanding of how Indigenous Knowledge Systems in St. Kitts and Nevis contribute to climate resilience and economic empowerment. The emphasis on participatory and emic perspectives aligns with the study’s commitment to decolonial development practice and grounded empirical inquiry in the Global South. LITERATURE REVIEW Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as St. Kitts and Nevis face acute environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities linked to climate change, resource dependence, and external economic shocks (UN-OHRLLS, 2020). As the Caribbean contends with intensifying hurricanes, rising sea levels, and ecosystem degradation, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as St. Kitts and Nevis are increasingly turning to indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) as vital resources for sustainable development. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has long served as a foundation for adaptive environmental management, livelihood security, and socio-cultural cohesion among island communities (Berkes, 2012; McMillan & Prosper, 2016). Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) have garnered scholarly and policy attention as critical tools for climate adaptation and economic empowerment (Ford et al., 2016; Alexander et al., 2011). While global development frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), now recognize the importance of local knowledge (UN, 2015), significant gaps remain in how this knowledge is integrated into policy and practice, particularly in Caribbean SIDS. This literature review interrogates the conceptual, empirical, and policy-oriented research surrounding the role of indigenous knowledge in fostering climate resilience and inclusive economic development in the context of St. Kitts and Nevis. Conceptualizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Indigenous Knowledge Systems refer to the complex, dynamic bodies of knowledge that are developed and sustained by local communities over generations, called intergenerational knowledge embedded within cultural traditions, spiritual practices, and sustainable resource use often in close interaction with their environments (Battiste, 2002; Berkes, 2012). IKS include ecological insights, spiritual beliefs, cultural norms, agricultural techniques, and community governance systems. Unlike Western scientific knowledge, which tends to be compartmentalized and universalized, indigenous knowledge is highly contextual, holistic, and experiential (Grenier, 1998). In the Caribbean, IKS draw from African, Kalinago, and East Indian heritages, resulting in a hybrid epistemology that reflects centuries of adaptation and resistance (Nettleford, 2003; Beckford & Barker, 2007). Scholars highlight the epistemological distinctiveness of IKS, arguing for its recognition not only as a resource but as a way of knowing and living in harmony with nature (Smith, 2012). In the Caribbean context, Indigenous Knowledge reflects a synthesis of African, Amerindian, and colonial histories. This hybrid cultural heritage manifests in farming practices, oral histories, herbal medicine, and community decision-making (Nicholls, 2006). These knowledge forms are crucial for understanding local perceptions of risk, adaptation, and socio-ecological resilience (Mercer et al., 2010). In St. Kitts and Nevis, IKS manifest through traditional farming systems, medicinal plant use, oral histories, artisanal fishing, and vernacular architecture—all of which reflect local responses to climate variability and socio-economic constraints. However, much of this knowledge remains undocumented and undervalued in formal development discourse (Baptiste et al., 2017). The marginalization of IKS is linked to colonial legacies that prioritize Western scientific and technical knowledge over community-based ways of knowing (Escobar, 2018). IKS and Climate Resilience in SIDS Climate resilience refers to the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to absorb, adapt to, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses (IPCC, 2022). In SIDS, where exposure to sea-level rise, hurricanes, and droughts is particularly acute, resilience is not just about infrastructure—it is also about social, cultural, and ecological systems (Mycoo, 2018). Indigenous knowledge contributes to resilience through its emphasis on diversity, redundancy, adaptability, and interdependence (Folke, 2006). Indigenous and local communities have long adapted to environmental stressors through diversified livelihoods, , seasonal mobility, social safety networks, and agroecological practices such as intercropping, fallowing, and mulching are known to enhance soil health and reduce vulnerability to drought (Altieri & Toledo, 2011). For instance, Caribbean maroon communities have preserved rainwater harvesting systems and sustainable land management strategies that can buffer the impacts of droughts and floods (McMillan, 2005). In coastal areas, fisherfolk use generational knowledge of tidal patterns, fish migration, and storm behavior to guide sustainable harvesting and avoid ecological overreach (McConney et al., 2007). In St. Kitts and Nevis, subsistence farmers often combine such techniques with spiritual practices and communal decision-making, reflecting a worldview in which human and ecological well-being are intertwined (Thomas & Watson, 2020). In the Eastern Caribbean, including St. Kitts and Nevis, traditional agroforestry practices, intercropping, and knowledge of seed selection contribute to biodiversity conservation and food security (Nurse & Charlery, 2016). These practices are resilient to climatic variability and are essential for risk reduction in the absence of formal infrastructure. The integration of IKS into formal disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation frameworks has been advocated by scholars and agencies alike (Mercer et al., 2009; UNFCCC, 2021). However, barriers include epistemological hierarchies, lack of documentation, and the marginalization of indigenous voices in policy arenas (Ford et al., 2016). Yet, as Pelling and Uitto (2001) argue, top-down climate adaptation strategies often overlook these community-based coping mechanisms in favor of externally designed, technocratic solutions. This mismatch not only disempowers local actors but also weakens long-term adaptive capacity. Scholars such as Ford et al. (2016) and Kelman et al. (2009) therefore advocate for a “polycentric” approach to climate governance that recognizes and integrates indigenous perspectives. Economic Empowerment through Indigenous Knowledge Beyond resilience, Indigenous Knowledge also fosters economic empowerment. Economic empowerment is defined as the process by which individuals and communities gain the ability to make choices and transform those choices into desired outcomes (Kabeer, 1999). In the context of IKS, empowerment is closely linked to autonomy over land, labor, and local markets. Indigenous economies are typically characterized by reciprocity, sustainability, and collective decision-making—qualities that contrast with profit-driven capitalist models (Smith, 1999). In St. Kitts and Nevis, economic activities rooted in indigenous knowledge include herbal medicine, bush tea production, craft-making, backyard gardening, and traditional fishing. Traditional livelihoods such as herbal medicine, fishing, and crafts not only sustain local economies but reinforce cultural identity and social cohesion (Browne & LaFond, 2013). In Nevis, for example, herbalists and bush doctors are recognized knowledge bearers and micro-entrepreneurs whose services are sought after by both locals and tourists. These activities are often carried out by women and older adults, serving as safety nets for vulnerable households (Taylor, 2011). Women, in particular, play a critical role as knowledge holders and transmitters in these informal economies, yet their contributions are frequently unrecognized in formal economic metrics (UN Women, 2020). Women in particular play a central role in the transmission and application of indigenous knowledge. Studies from Dominica and St. Lucia show how women-led cooperatives have commercialized organic farming, traditional skincare, and textile production while also promoting environmental sustainability (Wittman, 2009; FAO, 2018). Community-based cooperatives and microenterprises rooted in traditional knowledge can also serve as vehicles for empowerment. Beckford (2005) shows how rural Jamaican communities have revitalized indigenous farming practices to enter organic and fair-trade markets, enhancing both ecological integrity and income generation. Similar opportunities exist in St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly in areas such as eco-tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and medicinal plant value chains (Dunn & Masika, 2022). However, these opportunities are often constrained by inadequate policy support, lack of funding, and limited access to digital platforms. There is growing support for aligning traditional knowledge-based enterprises with the green and blue economies—particularly eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and organic agriculture. However, this requires participatory governance and capacity-building to avoid co-optation or commercialization without benefit-sharing (Timmermans, 2015). Barriers to Integrating IKS in Development Planning Despite growing recognition of IKS, its integration into formal development processes in the Caribbean remains limited. Key barriers include epistemic injustice, policy marginalization, generational discontinuity, and the erosion of cultural values. Epistemic injustice refers to the systematic exclusion of indigenous knowledge from development discourse and decision-making (Fricker, 2007). In St. Kitts and Nevis, development plans often rely on imported models and consultants, with minimal input from local elders, farmers, or fisherfolk. Policy frameworks also tend to treat IKS as static or outdated, rather than dynamic and evolving. According to Baptiste et al. (2017), this results in “tokenistic inclusion” where indigenous perspectives are mentioned in strategy documents but not reflected in budget allocations or program design. Generational discontinuity is another challenge, as younger generations migrate to urban centers or abroad, weakening traditional knowledge transmission. The influence of Western media and education further compounds this loss by promoting values that are often at odds with indigenous worldviews (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013). Moreover, there is a lack of mechanisms to bridge formal and informal systems of knowledge. Education curricula rarely include local history or ecology, and research institutions often privilege quantitative methods over participatory approaches. As a result, indigenous voices are excluded from climate assessments, economic projections, and development evaluations (Ford et al., 2016). Toward a Decolonial and Inclusive Development Model The literature increasingly calls for a decolonial approach to development—one that prioritizes local agency, contextual knowledge, and pluriversal understandings of well-being (Escobar, 2018; Mignolo & Walsh, 2018). In this framework, IKS are not merely supplemental but foundational to designing development strategies that are just, sustainable, and inclusive. Decolonial approaches also interrogate the historical power relations embedded in knowledge production and institutional governance. Sen’s (1999) Human Capabilities Approach further supports this perspective by emphasizing the expansion of people’s substantive freedoms to lead the lives they value. Applying this framework to St. Kitts and Nevis means recognizing the capability-enhancing role of indigenous economies, land-based practices, and social networks in fostering resilience and empowerment. It also implies reconfiguring metrics of development to include cultural vitality, ecological stewardship, and communal well-being. To operationalize these insights, scholars advocate for participatory action research (PAR), policy co-production, and transdisciplinary collaboration. PAR, in particular, allows communities to document their own knowledge systems, assess their vulnerabilities, and design their own solutions (Kindon et al., 2007). Regional organizations such as the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) have piloted such approaches with promising results in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation (CANARI, 2021). Climate Change and Vulnerability in SIDS SIDS are disproportionately impacted by climate change despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, 2022). The Caribbean region has seen a steady increase in climate-related events such as Category 5 hurricanes (e.g., Irma and Maria), leading to loss of livelihoods, infrastructure damage, and displacement (Kelman, 2019). In St. Kitts and Nevis, economic dependence on tourism and agriculture exacerbates vulnerability, especially for rural and coastal populations. Adaptive capacity is constrained by limited financial and institutional resources, as well as dependence on external development assistance (Pelling & Uitto, 2001). This context has catalyzed interest in community-based adaptation strategies that leverage local knowledge and strengthen social cohesion. Integration of Indigenous Knowledge in Policy and Practice Several Caribbean-wide policy frameworks acknowledge the role of IKS, including the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) . Yet, their operationalization remains fragmented (Robinson & Witter, 2015). In St. Kitts and Nevis, climate change policy documents make limited explicit reference to indigenous practices, although community-based adaptation projects occasionally incorporate local actors (GCF, 2022). The UNESCO Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) Programme and IPBES (2019) call for the co-production of knowledge between scientists, policy actors, and indigenous communities. However, the challenge lies in bridging worldviews and establishing equitable partnerships. Knowledge Co-Production and Ethical Engagement The literature emphasizes that using IKS ethically requires more than extraction; it necessitates free, prior, and informed consent , benefit-sharing, and recognition of intellectual property rights (Battiste & Henderson, 2000). Scholars stress that co-production should involve iterative dialogue, mutual learning, and cultural humility (Chambers, 2008). Capacity-building and institutional reform are also essential to make space for indigenous voices within policy frameworks, particularly in SIDS where formal governance structures often mirror colonial legacies (Pelling & Uitto, 2001). Gaps in the Literature and Contribution of This Study While empirical literature on IKS in climate resilience and economic development is growing, few studies focus specifically on St. Kitts and Nevis. Much of the Caribbean scholarship is concentrated in larger islands such as Jamaica, Trinidad, and Dominica (Baptiste & Devonish, 2019; McConney et al., 2007). A study by Baptiste et al. (2015) in Trinidad showed how integrating traditional agricultural calendars with climate forecasts improved crop yields and resilience. In Dominica, after Hurricane Maria, local bush medicine and informal housing networks were key to post-disaster recovery (IFRC, 2018). Qualitative research by George and Weekes (2019) in St. Vincent highlighted how elder-led storytelling and ritual practices help sustain ecological knowledge. Such research underscores the value of participatory methods and ethnographic immersion in capturing the nuances of indigenous knowledge. This study contributes to filling this gap by offering a grounded, context-specific analysis of how IKS operates in a smaller, often overlooked SIDS setting. It also contributes an interdisciplinary perspective that bridges development theory, environmental governance, gender studies, and cultural anthropology. By employing a qualitative, community-based methodology, the study elevates the lived experiences and voices of those at the frontlines of climate change and economic marginalization. It moves beyond abstract policy recommendations to document concrete practices, challenges, and innovations that emerge from within the communities themselves. Ultimately, it argues for a paradigm shift—from externally driven development models to endogenous strategies rooted in local knowledge, values, and aspirations. RESEARCH FINDINGS This section presents the major findings from the qualitative investigation of how Indigenous Knowledge (IK) contributes to climate resilience and economic empowerment in the context of St. Kitts and Nevis. The findings are structured around four emergent themes identified through thematic analysis: (1) Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship; (2) Local economic resilience through traditional livelihoods; (3) Challenges to Indigenous Knowledge transmission; and (4) Integrative potential between IK and formal development planning. These themes illuminate how IK continues to play a pivotal yet under-recognized role in small island development. Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Stewardship Participants across multiple communities emphasized that IK forms the basis of localized environmental management practices that have historically safeguarded biodiversity, soil quality, and water conservation. Elders from both islands shared stories of traditional planting calendars that align agricultural activities with lunar cycles and rainfall patterns. These calendars, often dismissed in modern scientific discourse, continue to guide crop decisions and harvesting times for some farmers, particularly in rural areas such as Tabernacle (St. Kitts) and Gingerland (Nevis). Community fishers reported long-standing practices of seasonal fishing bans and reef monitoring passed down through oral tradition. These practices were designed to allow marine ecosystems to replenish and were based on indicators such as the appearance of certain bird species or the blooming of coastal plants. One key informant stated: “Before the government tell we what season it is, our people already know. We watch the sea, the wind, the stars. That’s how we survive.” This empirical evidence underscores that Indigenous ecological knowledge is not static but evolves in tandem with environmental shifts—making it a dynamic tool for adaptive climate governance. Local Economic Resilience Through Traditional Livelihoods Another salient finding was that IK supports livelihood diversification and food security, two pillars of economic empowerment in the face of external shocks such as hurricanes or economic downturns. Participants highlighted several examples: Agroecological farming : Many smallholder farmers practice mixed cropping, composting, and water retention techniques rooted in ancestral knowledge. These methods reduce dependence on imported fertilizers and increase crop resilience to extreme weather events. Traditional medicine and herbal entrepreneurship : In both islands, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbal remedies. Local women, in particular, have translated their IK into micro-enterprises—producing teas, oils, and tinctures from plants such as soursop, neem, and guinea hen weed. These enterprises contribute to household income while preserving pharmacological knowledge. Crafts and cultural tourism : IK-informed skills like basket weaving, drumming, and storytelling have been monetized through community-based tourism initiatives. However, participants noted that such initiatives remain informal and are often excluded from national economic policy frameworks. These findings reveal that IK not only sustains cultural heritage but also serves as a critical safety net for economically vulnerable households—particularly in rural and women-led contexts. Challenges to Indigenous Knowledge Transmission Despite its value, participants expressed concern that Indigenous knowledge is rapidly eroding due to modernization, migration, and the undervaluing of traditional systems in educational and policy spheres. Key issues identified include: Generational disconnect : Younger participants indicated a lack of interest in learning traditional skills, partly because they are perceived as backward or irrelevant in a digital world. Urbanization and land loss : Traditional land-based practices are threatened by urban expansion and land tenure insecurity, especially in areas where customary land governance systems are not legally recognized. Colonial legacies in education : The formal school curriculum does not integrate Indigenous epistemologies, leading to a cognitive disconnect between what is taught in schools and lived community knowledge. One teacher noted: “Our children know more about European explorers than their own ancestral planting techniques. That’s the real colonization.” This disconnect poses a serious threat to the sustainability of IK systems and their capacity to support resilience and empowerment. Integrative Potential Between Indigenous and Formal Systems While IK has often been sidelined in policy, findings show increasing local interest in its integration with formal climate adaptation and development strategies. Several participants—particularly community leaders and local government officials—advocated for a hybrid approach where IK complements scientific data. Examples include: Disaster preparedness : Community elders’ knowledge of flood-prone areas and wind patterns has been used informally in emergency response. Some disaster coordinators expressed willingness to formalize this collaboration. Environmental education : NGOs and community schools in Nevis have started pilot programs where elders teach students about traditional farming, rainwater harvesting, and bush medicine. Co-management of natural resources : Participants from fisheries cooperatives expressed a desire to co-develop marine policies with state agencies based on both traditional and scientific knowledge. This suggests that policy environments are increasingly receptive to participatory approaches that bridge Indigenous and institutional systems. However, this integration is still limited and lacks legal recognition. Cross-Cutting Observations Several cross-cutting insights emerged across all themes: Gendered Knowledge Systems : Women and men often possess different types of IK—women lead in herbal knowledge and home-based economic strategies, while men dominate fishing and land management. Any integration strategy must be gender-sensitive. Spiritual and Cosmological Dimensions : IK in St. Kitts and Nevis is deeply spiritual, often rooted in Afro-Caribbean cosmology. Development efforts that ignore these dimensions risk undermining trust and uptake. Colonial Histories and Resilience : Many participants framed IK as a resistance strategy to colonialism and slavery, suggesting that it serves not only a practical but also a decolonial purpose in current development discourse. Implications for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment The findings confirm that IK significantly enhances both adaptive capacity and economic sustainability in SIDS contexts. Specifically, it: Strengthens anticipatory and responsive capacities to environmental change Promotes low-cost, context-specific livelihood options Enhances community cohesion and social capital Bridges knowledge gaps in top-down development planning However, without deliberate policy support, intergenerational transmission, and educational reform, these gains may be undermined. To conclude these findings, the study demonstrates that Indigenous Knowledge in St. Kitts and Nevis is a vibrant, if undervalued, resource for both climate resilience and economic empowerment. Its integration into formal frameworks—when done respectfully and collaboratively—has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals. But this requires confronting systemic barriers rooted in colonial legacies, modernist biases, and generational disconnects. As a small island developing state, St. Kitts and Nevis must harness its unique cultural resources to build resilient, inclusive futures. DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): A Living Repository of Climate Wisdom The study reveals that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in St. Kitts and Nevis serve as a rich, dynamic repository of ecological wisdom, accumulated through generations. Participants—particularly elders and community leaders—shared detailed practices in traditional agriculture (such as intercropping, contour farming, and moon-phase planting), artisanal fishing, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, and the use of herbal medicine. These practices illustrate what Berkes ( 2018 ) describes as “adaptive management embedded in cultural systems,” where observation, experimentation, and spiritual beliefs are interwoven to respond to ecological variability. In St. Kitts and Nevis, many respondents pointed to the accurate prediction of weather through signs in animal behavior or cloud patterns, which aided in disaster preparedness. However, the findings also highlight the erosion of these practices, especially among youth, due to globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of Western education systems. This supports Sillitoe’s ( 2007 ) argument that IKS is often marginalized in formal development discourse, despite its contextual relevance. The need to document and revitalize these practices was a recurring theme, which directly addresses SDG Target 13.1 (strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards). Climate Resilience Pathways: Community-Based Adaptation in Practice Findings indicate that communities in St. Kitts and Nevis use indigenous strategies to cope with increasing droughts, floods, and hurricanes. For instance, smallholder farmers spoke of the reintroduction of drought-resistant crops and soil moisture techniques learned from older generations. Coastal communities highlighted mangrove preservation as both a cultural and environmental practice—offering protection against storm surges and sustaining fish stocks. Women, in particular, played a vital role in localized resilience strategies, as custodians of food storage knowledge and informal care systems. This aligns with Leach et al. ( 2021 ), who argue that resilience-building must consider gendered roles within knowledge systems. Nonetheless, a key limitation is the lack of institutional support to scale these practices. Respondents noted that national adaptation plans rarely integrate indigenous practices, and technical assistance often favors imported technologies. This gap reinforces Ford et al.’s ( 2016 ) call for more inclusive adaptation governance, where local knowledge is not only acknowledged but co-produced in planning. These insights correspond with SDG 11 (sustainable communities) and SDG 13 (climate action), underscoring how grassroots strategies can inform climate governance in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Economic Empowerment Strategies: Knowledge-Based Livelihoods Economic empowerment emerged as both a desired and actual outcome of engaging indigenous knowledge. Respondents involved in traditional practices such as herbal medicine production, handcrafts, and eco-tourism reported increased income and community prestige. Youth engaged in these practices often used social media to market indigenous products, creating hybrid models that blend tradition with technology. Participants from women's cooperatives noted that using traditional food preservation methods not only enhanced food security during storms but also allowed for income generation. The revival of cassava bread production, for example, became a cultural and economic act of resistance against food dependency. Yet, several barriers exist: limited access to markets, weak intellectual property protections for traditional knowledge, and inadequate institutional frameworks to support indigenous entrepreneurship. This is consistent with Escobar’s ( 2008 ) critique of development paradigms that overlook endogenous economic systems. These findings affirm the need to reposition indigenous knowledge within the economic development discourse—not as static or nostalgic, but as an engine for innovation. They support SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 1 (poverty reduction), as economic resilience was consistently tied to the ability to adapt and monetize local knowledge. Enabling & Inhibiting Structures: Policy, Sociocultural Dynamics, and Governance The conceptual framework’s focus on enabling and inhibiting structures is critical for understanding the uneven application of IKS. While respondents exhibited agency in adapting traditional knowledge, they also expressed frustration at its exclusion from formal climate and economic policies. For instance, some Ministry of Environment and Agriculture officials acknowledged indigenous practices but admitted there is no national inventory, legal framework, or integration platform. This confirms the institutional silos that scholars like Agrawal ( 1995 ) have long criticized. Respondents called for participatory policy spaces that bring elders, youth, and policymakers together in co-design processes. Culturally, there was also a sense of generational disconnect. Younger respondents—especially those with formal education—expressed ambivalence about traditional practices, associating them with “old ways.” However, once involved in local projects (e.g., agroecology gardens or storytelling festivals), their attitudes shifted, indicating the potential of culturally embedded education programs. Education systems were seen as both a constraint and an opportunity. The absence of IKS in the curriculum perpetuates epistemic marginalization, but pilot programs in Nevis that combine environmental science with oral history show promise. Thus, aligning formal systems with informal knowledge spaces becomes essential for long-term transformation. Outcomes and Transformational Impact: Toward SDG-Aligned Development Across all themes, one core message stood out: Indigenous knowledge, when centered and empowered, enables more just, inclusive, and sustainable development. Respondents emphasized that true resilience must be rooted in cultural identity and self-determination, echoing Sen’s ( 1999 ) capability approach. The research points toward a transformational development model where local knowledge is not a substitute for science but a complement. This resonates with decolonial scholars such as Santos ( 2014 ), who advocate for epistemological pluralism in development. By mapping traditional practices to SDGs—such as gender equity in economic participation (SDG 5), biodiversity conservation (SDG 15), and community resilience (SDG 13)—the study offers a model of integrated development that is contextually appropriate, socially inclusive, and ecologically grounded. Furthermore, the findings suggest that incorporating indigenous knowledge into policy and education systems can catalyze systemic change—moving beyond project-based interventions to structural transformation. This discussion, grounded in the conceptual framework, underscores that Indigenous Knowledge is not merely a resource to be "harnessed" but a worldview, a mode of living and learning, and a political claim to visibility and agency. In the context of St. Kitts and Nevis, it provides a grounded pathway for climate resilience and economic empowerment—when supported by enabling structures and decolonized development approaches. As the Global South continues to face intensifying climate and economic crises, the call to integrate Indigenous Knowledge is both urgent and necessary—not as token inclusion, but as a foundation for reimagined futures. CONCLUSION In conclusion, there is need to Reclaim Indigenous Knowledge as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis. This study affirms that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are not relics of the past, but vital, adaptive, and living repositories of environmental intelligence and socio-economic resilience. In St. Kitts and Nevis, IKS encompasses a range of time-tested practices—such as traditional farming methods, ecological storytelling, communal land stewardship, and herbal medicine—that have evolved through generations of experiential learning and spiritual-ecological alignment. These practices offer place-based, culturally legitimate responses to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and economic insecurity. However, despite their demonstrated efficacy, IKS continues to be marginalized in formal climate adaptation and development planning. This research highlights the epistemic exclusion experienced by local communities who express deep frustration at being sidelined from the very policies designed to improve their resilience. This exclusion is further compounded by westernization and donor dependency, which often prioritize technocratic, top-down interventions at the expense of grassroots wisdom and autonomy. Such dynamics have contributed to the erosion of traditional knowledge transmission, particularly among youth, and the fragmentation of ecological-cultural practices essential to sustainability. A salient finding of this study is the emergence of hybrid knowledge systems—innovative blends of traditional and scientific knowledge that reflect local agency and pragmatic adaptation. For example, smallholder farmers synchronize ancestral planting calendars with meteorological forecasts, and traditional health practitioners integrate herbal remedies with biomedical referrals. These hybrid approaches demonstrate that IKS and Western scientific knowledge need not be mutually exclusive, but can function as complementary epistemologies in co-producing climate solutions that are both effective and locally resonant. Importantly, the research demonstrates that IKS offers more than environmental insight—it provides a framework for community-based adaptation and economic empowerment. Knowledge-based livelihoods, such as organic farming, artisanal crafts, and ethnobotanical enterprises, not only reinforce cultural identity and ecological stewardship but also offer viable pathways for inclusive economic development. However, without supportive policy frameworks, these strategies remain under-leveraged. The study’s findings contribute meaningfully to critical development and climate adaptation scholarship by advocating for a transformational development model. This model repositions IKS not as a substitute for science, but as an equally valid, historically grounded, and culturally embedded source of knowledge that can complement scientific paradigms. It aligns with emerging discourses in post-development theory, decolonial climate governance, and the capabilities approach, which collectively argue for rethinking development from the ground up—centered on local agency, cultural coherence, and intergenerational justice. Moreover, this research foregrounds the systemic barriers that hinder the institutionalization of IKS, including epistemological hierarchies, fragmented policy frameworks, and donor-driven project cycles. It calls for a paradigm shift toward SDG-aligned development that is participatory, pluralistic, and grounded in local realities. By centering IKS within the discourse on climate resilience and economic empowerment, the study provides a roadmap for integrating traditional knowledge into policy, education, and innovation ecosystems across Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In sum, Indigenous knowledge in St. Kitts and Nevis must be recognized not as folklore to be preserved, but as a living, evolving, and strategic asset—one capable of guiding adaptive, equitable, and sustainable futures in the face of global climate uncertainty. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Institutionalize Indigenous Knowledge within National Climate and Development Policies Despite the vitality of IKS, it remains excluded from formal planning. The study reveals a critical need to integrate local knowledge into national adaptation plans, agricultural extension programs, and economic development strategies. There is need to develop a national inventory and database of Indigenous Knowledge practices, establish a legal framework that recognizes and protects indigenous practices, including intellectual property rights and Facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms where elders, youth, policymakers, and researchers co-produce knowledge and co-design policy interventions. 2. Strengthen Intergenerational Knowledge Transmission through Education and Cultural Programming Youth disengagement and epistemic marginalization are key barriers. Findings show that when young people engage in culturally relevant projects, their attitudes toward IKS shift positively. There is need to integrate Indigenous Knowledge into school curricula through interdisciplinary subjects (e.g., agroecology, oral history, traditional medicine), s upport youth-led community projects such as storytelling festivals, traditional farming apprenticeships, and eco-entrepreneurship incubators and p romote public campaigns that valorize IKS and counter stigmatization of traditional practices as "backward." 3. Support Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Knowledge-Based Livelihoods IKS is not just cultural heritage—it is also an economic asset. Participants showed that traditional practices, when connected to modern tools and markets, can improve livelihoods and enhance resilience. There is need to p rovide technical and financial support to indigenous entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, involved in traditional crafts, herbal medicine, and eco-tourism, create value chains and digital platforms that promote indigenous products locally and internationally and establish partnerships with regional bodies (e.g., OECS, CARICOM) to mainstream knowledge-based livelihoods into SIDS economic recovery and resilience strategies. Research Gaps and Future Directions There is a paucity of context-specific research on indigenous knowledge in St. Kitts and Nevis, especially concerning its use in economic planning and youth engagement. Digital documentation of oral traditions, women's leadership in traditional economies, and the role of indigenous ecological knowledge in tourism diversification remain underexplored. Future research should adopt intersectional and gender-sensitive lenses, employ participatory and decolonial methodologies, and strengthen South-South knowledge exchange across SIDS. Declarations Ethical approval will be sought from the relevant institutional review board. Key ethical principles include Informed consent, Confidentiality, Voluntary participation and Respect for cultural protocols. Participants receive verbal and written explanations of the study and they signed consent forms. Data was anonymized using pseudonyms. Participants were told that they can withdraw at any time without consequence, and Engagement with elders and community leaders followed appropriate cultural practices, including gatekeeper approval and reciprocal exchanges (e.g., sharing findings or co-created community briefs). References Agrawal, A. (1995). Dismantling the divide between indigenous and scientific knowledge. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7384456","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":501165605,"identity":"660231b3-1e87-403c-a5f8-59db2d89b803","order_by":0,"name":"Robert Chirima","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA4UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFACHjCZwMbA2MDAUMHAYECclgSYljOkaAGzGduI0GLe3nvwceUPuzw+6cOtG37OOyxvzt58gOFHxTacWmTOnEs2PJOQXMzGl9h2s3fbYcOdPccSGHvO3MapRUIix0yyIeFAYhsPY9sN3m2HGTfcyDFgZmzDq8X8J0zLzb9zDtsTo8WMEablNm/D4UTCWnjOJUs2pCVDtMgcS0/ecOZYwkG8fmHvPfixwcYucX4P+7Obb2qsbTccbz744EcFbi3ooBlMHiBaPRDUkaJ4FIyCUTAKRggAAEAWXAKXmWIWAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6475-7992","institution":"Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Robert","middleName":"","lastName":"Chirima","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-08-16 01:50:06","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":true,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":true,"humanSubjectConsent":true,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7384456/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7384456/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":89390469,"identity":"758af08e-d48a-4a74-a45f-4020e33431fe","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-19 12:55:07","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":493558,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarnessing Indigenous knowledge for climate resilience and economic empowerment in St Kitts and Nevis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7384456/v1/50abd59009a1b76f51106c8c.png"},{"id":89392220,"identity":"9968c100-960d-40ee-8dc4-df8ddc3ca87e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-19 13:11:08","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2356873,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7384456/v1/40abdfd4-d66e-4383-9764-352ced2def92.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) face disproportionate challenges from climate change and global economic inequities. With limited geographic size, resource bases, and economic diversification, these states\u0026mdash;such as St. Kitts and Nevis\u0026mdash;remain particularly vulnerable to environmental and socio-economic shocks. Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, biodiversity loss, and economic dependencies on tourism and imported goods collectively exacerbate structural fragility (Mycoo, 2018). While international development frameworks often promote technological interventions and external aid to address these vulnerabilities, they frequently overlook the vast reservoir of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) embedded within local communities. This research argues that harnessing indigenous knowledge can provide transformative pathways to climate resilience and economic empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis, contributing to sustainable development rooted in cultural continuity and self-determination.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndigenous Knowledge Systems refer to the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs developed by local communities through generations of interaction with their environment (Berkes, 2012). These systems are adaptive, deeply contextual, and often holistic\u0026mdash;integrating ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions. In the Caribbean context, indigenous knowledge is not limited to pre-Columbian practices but includes Afro-Caribbean traditions, Maroon resilience strategies, herbal medicine, oral storytelling, community governance, and localized agroecological methods (Turner \u0026amp; Clifton, 2009; McMillan \u0026amp; Prosper, 2016). In St. Kitts and Nevis, such knowledge has historically underpinned subsistence farming, artisanal fishing, natural disaster coping strategies, and informal economies\u0026mdash;yet remains largely excluded from formal development planning and policy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContemporary development discourses have begun to acknowledge the epistemic value of indigenous knowledge, particularly in advancing climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recognizes the role of local knowledge in fostering community-based resilience and enhancing adaptive capacity (IPCC, 2022). Similarly, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)\u0026mdash;specifically Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 13 (Climate Action)\u0026mdash;emphasize inclusive, participatory, and culturally relevant approaches to development. However, operationalizing these frameworks in SIDS contexts often falls short of engaging local epistemologies meaningfully, perpetuating top-down models that undermine indigenous agency and local innovation (Ford et al., 2016; Escobar, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study is situated within a broader scholarly call to decolonize development practice by centring community knowledge systems and lived experience in the Global South (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013). Drawing on a decolonial theoretical lens and the Human Capabilities Approach (Sen, 1999), the research critically interrogates the dominant paradigms of climate adaptation and economic planning in St. Kitts and Nevis. The decolonial approach challenges the hierarchies of knowledge that privilege Western scientific frameworks while silencing local voices. Simultaneously, the Capabilities Approach provides a normative framework that emphasizes the enhancement of individual and collective freedoms to achieve valued ways of living. Together, these frameworks offer a robust lens through which to evaluate the role of IKS in achieving both resilience and economic empowerment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMethodologically, this research adopts a qualitative, field-based approach to explore how indigenous knowledge is mobilized, transmitted, and integrated into community responses to climate and economic challenges. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with local farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and elders across rural and coastal communities in St. Kitts and Nevis. The study employed purposive sampling to engage participants with lived experience and intergenerational knowledge. Data were analysed thematically, allowing for the identification of recurring patterns and emergent narratives related to climate coping strategies, livelihood innovation, cultural practices, and socio-political barriers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreliminary findings highlight the vibrancy and relevance of indigenous knowledge in areas such as land rotation, drought-resistant crops, herbal medicine, rainwater harvesting, and cooperative economics. For instance, traditional \u0026quot;slash-and-mulch\u0026quot; farming methods have proven more sustainable than chemically intensive monoculture farming, particularly in sloped terrains prone to erosion. Local fishers\u0026rsquo; knowledge of tidal patterns and migratory cycles has contributed to adaptive practices in the face of declining marine stocks. Women-led informal economies\u0026mdash;based on traditional crafts, food processing, and herbal remedies\u0026mdash;play a vital role in community resilience and economic inclusion, particularly during tourism downturns or external shocks such as COVID-19.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, the study also uncovers persistent structural challenges. These include the lack of institutional recognition for indigenous practices, limited policy frameworks supporting community-led adaptation, erosion of intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the marginalization of indigenous voices in decision-making forums. National development plans often favour external technological solutions or donor-driven models, creating a disconnect between local needs and official strategies (Baptiste et al., 2017). Such tensions illustrate the urgent need for a paradigm shift that integrates indigenous knowledge not as supplementary but as foundational to sustainable development in SIDS.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research makes an original contribution to development studies by bridging the gap between indigenous epistemologies and mainstream climate and economic policy. It challenges linear, technocratic approaches to resilience and offers evidence for a relational, place-based model that acknowledges cultural identity, historical continuity, and social agency. In doing so, the study responds directly to the European Journal of Development Research\u0026rsquo;s call for interdisciplinary, empirical, and critical engagement with the challenges of the Global South. By focusing on St. Kitts and Nevis, the research provides a situated analysis that can inform broader regional and international efforts to build equitable, resilient futures rooted in local capacities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRESEARCH OBJECTIVES\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTo explore the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in enhancing community-based climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in St. Kitts and Nevis.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTo examine the socio-cultural, political, and institutional factors that enable or hinder the integration of indigenous knowledge into national development and climate adaptation policies.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eTo identify and analyze indigenous economic practices that contribute to local empowerment and propose context-specific strategies for inclusive, culturally rooted development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRESEARCH QUESTIONS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHow do Indigenous Knowledge Systems contribute to local strategies for climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods in St. Kitts and Nevis? Aligned SDGs: SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWhat are the key enablers and barriers to mainstreaming indigenous knowledge in climate and development policy in St. Kitts and Nevis? Aligned SDGs: SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWhat indigenous economic practices exist in St. Kitts and Nevis, and how can they be leveraged for inclusive economic empowerment and sustainable development?\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eAligned SDGs: SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 5: Gender Equality.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheory of Change\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTheory of Change (ToC)\u003c/strong\u003e based on the research objectives and SDG alignment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUltimate Impact:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnhanced\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eclimate resilience\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeconomic empowerment\u003c/strong\u003e, and\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003esustainable development\u003c/strong\u003e in St. Kitts and Nevis through the recognition, integration, and scaling of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Components:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTable1 : key components of the theory of change\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivities\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutcomes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpact\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e- Community knowledge and practices\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Local stakeholders (elders, farmers, women, youth)\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Research tools (qualitative methods)\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Policy and SDG frameworks\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e- Conduct interviews and FGDs\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Map IKS-based practices\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Stakeholder engagement workshops\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Policy analysis\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e- Documented indigenous practices\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Identified policy gaps\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Community recommendations\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Knowledge-sharing briefs\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e- Increased awareness of IKS among policymakers\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Strengthened community voice in adaptation planning\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Inclusion of IKS in policy and local economic strategies\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e- Strengthened resilience to climate shocks\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Empowered local economies (esp. women and youth)\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;- Contextualized, inclusive development policy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePathway Narrative:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), when meticulously documented and disseminated through participatory approaches, hold immense potential for fostering sustainable development. This pathway posits that the systematic recording and sharing of IKS, coupled with the active engagement of policymakers, development planners, and communities in the co-creation of climate and economic strategies, yield significant benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis. The anticipated outcome is threefold: enhanced institutional recognition of IKS, amplified community agency, and the cultivation of more sustainable and inclusive climate resilience and livelihood models. By integrating IKS into mainstream policy and planning, a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to development can be achieved, ultimately leading to greater community empowerment and long-term sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Assumptions:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe successful integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into broader societal frameworks hinges on several key assumptions. Firstly, it presupposes that communities are willing to share their IKS. This willingness is not guaranteed and depends on factors such as trust, reciprocity, and the perceived potential for exploitation or misuse of their knowledge. Secondly, it assumes that policymakers are receptive to incorporating alternative knowledge systems alongside conventional approaches. This requires a shift in mindset, acknowledging the value and relevance of IKS in addressing contemporary challenges. Finally, it necessitates the existence, or the potential development, of institutional mechanisms that effectively incorporate community voices into decision-making processes. Without such mechanisms, the integration of IKS risks becoming tokenistic, failing to genuinely empower communities or leverage the full potential of their knowledge. The validity of these assumptions is crucial for fostering meaningful collaboration and ensuring that IKS contribute effectively to sustainable development and social equity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eI\u003cstrong\u003endicators (Selected from SDGs):\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSDG 13.1.1\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026ndash; Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSDG 8.3.1\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026ndash; Proportion of informal employment in total employment\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSDG 1.4.2\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026ndash; Proportion of population with secure rights to land/resources\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSDG 5.a.1\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026ndash; Women\u0026rsquo;s ownership or rights over agricultural land\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSDG 11.4.1\u003c/strong\u003e \u0026ndash; Cultural heritage expenditure as % of total budget\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis conceptual framework explores the potential of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in St. Kitts and Nevis to foster climate resilience and economic empowerment. It posits that traditional ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and intergenerational knowledge transfer contribute to community-based adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable resource management. These pathways, in turn, bolster informal economies, traditional livelihoods, and women-led enterprises. The framework recognizes that policy, sociocultural dynamics, governance, and education systems act as enabling or inhibiting factors. Ultimately, the study aims to demonstrate how harnessing IKS can achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, economic growth, poverty reduction, sustainable communities, and gender equality, leading to decolonized development practices and integrated policy frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis framework illustrates how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), when enabled by supportive Policy, active Participation, and appropriate Sociocultural Structures, can lead to SDG-aligned Sustainable Development Outcomes, particularly in the areas of Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment. The central premise is that IKS, often deeply rooted in sustainable practices, hold significant potential for addressing contemporary challenges. However, their effectiveness is contingent upon the presence of moderating factors. Policy frameworks must recognize and protect IKS, ensuring their integration into development strategies. Genuine participation of Indigenous communities is crucial, respecting their autonomy and traditional governance systems. Finally, sociocultural structures play a vital role in preserving and transmitting IKS across generations. When these factors are aligned, IKS can effectively contribute to building climate resilience, fostering economic empowerment, and achieving broader sustainable development goals.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHODOLOGY","content":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch Design\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study adopts a\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003equalitative research design\u003c/strong\u003e rooted in a social constructivist paradigm, which emphasizes the importance of context, lived experience, and the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their social realities (Creswell \u0026amp; Poth, 2018). This design is appropriate for exploring how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are understood, transmitted, and deployed by communities in St. Kitts and Nevis to address climate challenges and foster economic empowerment. A qualitative approach allows for the capture of rich, in-depth narratives and insights that quantitative methods may overlook, especially in under-researched contexts like small island developing states (SIDS).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch Approach\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study follows an\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eexploratory case study approach\u003c/strong\u003e to examine local contexts, practices, and policy landscapes within St. Kitts and Nevis. The case study method facilitates a holistic examination of complex phenomena within their real-life settings (Yin, 2018), making it suitable for investigating the dynamic interplay between indigenous knowledge, climate resilience, and economic development in a small island context.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Area and Context\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research is conducted in\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eSt. Kitts and Nevis\u003c/strong\u003e, a twin-island SIDS located in the Caribbean, characterized by rich biodiversity, distinct ecological zones, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. The islands have a long history of environmental vulnerability, including hurricanes, coastal erosion, and climate variability, coupled with economic shifts from sugarcane agriculture to tourism and services. These factors underscore the need for locally grounded and culturally responsive development strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSampling Strategy\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study utilizes\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003epurposive sampling\u003c/strong\u003e to select participants who possess direct experience or knowledge of indigenous practices related to climate resilience and livelihoods. The sample includes:\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional farmers and fishers\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElders and community knowledge holders, Women engaged in heritage crafts or healing practices\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eand\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocal government or NGO officials involved in environmental or economic initiatives.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e20\u0026ndash;25 participants\u003c/strong\u003e will be recruited to ensure diversity across gender, age, and island geography (i.e., representation from both St. Kitts and Nevis).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection Methods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData collection employs\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003emultiple qualitative methods\u003c/strong\u003e to enhance triangulation and data richness:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eSemi-Structured Interviews\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn-depth interviews will be conducted using an open-ended guide tailored to elicit participants\u0026rsquo; experiences, beliefs, and strategies regarding indigenous knowledge use. Interview questions will explore themes such as adaptation to climate variability, livelihood practices, knowledge transmission, and the perceived value or challenges of integrating traditional and scientific knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eFocus Group Discussions (FGDs)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo FGDs (one per island) will be held with 6\u0026ndash;8 participants each, fostering collective dialogue about community norms, resilience strategies, and shared economic initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eParticipant Observation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eField visits to farms, coastal areas, and community hubs will allow for the observation of practices in context. Notes will be taken on environmental interactions, rituals, or informal community exchanges that reflect local knowledge use.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eDocument Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGovernment policies, development plans, cultural preservation reports, and environmental assessments will be reviewed to assess the formal recognition and incorporation of indigenous knowledge within national development strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData will be analyzed using\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003ethematic analysis\u003c/strong\u003e as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). The process involves:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamiliarization with data\u003c/strong\u003e through transcription and iterative reading.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenerating initial codes\u003c/strong\u003e linked to the research objectives.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSearching for themes\u003c/strong\u003e across data sets, e.g., climate adaptation strategies, knowledge erosion, or informal economies.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewing themes\u003c/strong\u003e in light of theoretical constructs and empirical saturation.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDefining and naming themes\u003c/strong\u003e with illustrative quotes and contextual insights.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducing the report\u003c/strong\u003e with a focus on explaining how IKS facilitates resilience and empowerment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNVivo or ATLAS.ti software may be used to manage and code qualitative data systematically.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Considerations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval will be sought from the relevant institutional review board. Key ethical principles include\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eInformed consent, Confidentiality, Voluntary participation and Respect for cultural protocols.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eParticipants receive verbal and written explanations of the study and they signed consent forms. Data was anonymized using pseudonyms. Participants were told that they can withdraw at any time without consequence, and\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eEngagement with elders and community leaders followed appropriate cultural practices, including gatekeeper approval and reciprocal exchanges (e.g., sharing findings or co-created community briefs).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrustworthiness and Rigor\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo ensure the credibility and rigor of findings, the study employs\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eLincoln and Guba\u0026rsquo;s (1985)\u003c/strong\u003e four criteria for trustworthiness. Credibility was achieved via triangulation, prolonged engagement, and member checking. Transferability was addressed by providing a thick description of the context and processes. Dependability was maintained through audit trails documenting analytic decisions. Finally, confirmability was supported through reflexivity and a researcher journal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis methodology supports a rich, contextualized understanding of how Indigenous Knowledge Systems in St. Kitts and Nevis contribute to climate resilience and economic empowerment. The emphasis on participatory and emic perspectives aligns with the study\u0026rsquo;s commitment to decolonial development practice and grounded empirical inquiry in the Global South.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":" LITERATURE REVIEW","content":"\u003cp\u003eSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) such as St. Kitts and Nevis face acute environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities linked to climate change, resource dependence, and external economic shocks (UN-OHRLLS, 2020). As the Caribbean contends with intensifying hurricanes, rising sea levels, and ecosystem degradation, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as St. Kitts and Nevis are increasingly turning to indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) as vital resources for sustainable development. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has long served as a foundation for adaptive environmental management, livelihood security, and socio-cultural cohesion among island communities (Berkes, 2012; McMillan \u0026amp; Prosper, 2016). Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) have garnered scholarly and policy attention as critical tools for climate adaptation and economic empowerment (Ford et al., 2016; Alexander et al., 2011). While global development frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), now recognize the importance of local knowledge (UN, 2015), significant gaps remain in how this knowledge is integrated into policy and practice, particularly in Caribbean SIDS. This literature review interrogates the conceptual, empirical, and policy-oriented research surrounding the role of indigenous knowledge in fostering climate resilience and inclusive economic development in the context of St. Kitts and Nevis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConceptualizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndigenous Knowledge Systems refer to the complex, dynamic bodies of knowledge that are developed and sustained by local communities over generations, called intergenerational knowledge embedded within cultural traditions, spiritual practices, and sustainable resource use often in close interaction with their environments (Battiste, 2002; Berkes, 2012). IKS include ecological insights, spiritual beliefs, cultural norms, agricultural techniques, and community governance systems. Unlike Western scientific knowledge, which tends to be compartmentalized and universalized, indigenous knowledge is highly contextual, holistic, and experiential (Grenier, 1998). In the Caribbean, IKS draw from African, Kalinago, and East Indian heritages, resulting in a hybrid epistemology that reflects centuries of adaptation and resistance (Nettleford, 2003; Beckford \u0026amp; Barker, 2007). Scholars highlight the epistemological distinctiveness of IKS, arguing for its recognition not only as a resource but as a way of knowing and living in harmony with nature (Smith, 2012).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Caribbean context, Indigenous Knowledge reflects a synthesis of African, Amerindian, and colonial histories. This hybrid cultural heritage manifests in farming practices, oral histories, herbal medicine, and community decision-making (Nicholls, 2006). These knowledge forms are crucial for understanding local perceptions of risk, adaptation, and socio-ecological resilience (Mercer et al., 2010).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn St. Kitts and Nevis, IKS manifest through traditional farming systems, medicinal plant use, oral histories, artisanal fishing, and vernacular architecture—all of which reflect local responses to climate variability and socio-economic constraints. However, much of this knowledge remains undocumented and undervalued in formal development discourse (Baptiste et al., 2017). The marginalization of IKS is linked to colonial legacies that prioritize Western scientific and technical knowledge over community-based ways of knowing (Escobar, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIKS and Climate Resilience in SIDS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClimate resilience refers to the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to absorb, adapt to, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses (IPCC, 2022). In SIDS, where exposure to sea-level rise, hurricanes, and droughts is particularly acute, resilience is not just about infrastructure—it is also about social, cultural, and ecological systems (Mycoo, 2018). Indigenous knowledge contributes to resilience through its emphasis on diversity, redundancy, adaptability, and interdependence (Folke, 2006).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndigenous and local communities have long adapted to environmental stressors through diversified livelihoods, , seasonal mobility, social safety networks, \u0026nbsp;and agroecological practices such as intercropping, fallowing, and mulching are known to enhance soil health and reduce vulnerability to drought (Altieri \u0026amp; Toledo, 2011). For instance, Caribbean maroon communities have preserved rainwater harvesting systems and sustainable land management strategies that can buffer the impacts of droughts and floods (McMillan, 2005). In coastal areas, fisherfolk use generational knowledge of tidal patterns, fish migration, and storm behavior to guide sustainable harvesting and avoid ecological overreach (McConney et al., 2007). In St. Kitts and Nevis, subsistence farmers often combine such techniques with spiritual practices and communal decision-making, reflecting a worldview in which human and ecological well-being are intertwined (Thomas \u0026amp; Watson, 2020). In the Eastern Caribbean, including St. Kitts and Nevis, traditional agroforestry practices, intercropping, and knowledge of seed selection contribute to biodiversity conservation and food security (Nurse \u0026amp; Charlery, 2016). These practices are resilient to climatic variability and are essential for risk reduction in the absence of formal infrastructure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe integration of IKS into formal disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation frameworks has been advocated by scholars and agencies alike (Mercer et al., 2009; UNFCCC, 2021). However, barriers include epistemological hierarchies, lack of documentation, and the marginalization of indigenous voices in policy arenas (Ford et al., 2016).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, as Pelling and Uitto (2001) argue, top-down climate adaptation strategies often overlook these community-based coping mechanisms in favor of externally designed, technocratic solutions. This mismatch not only disempowers local actors but also weakens long-term adaptive capacity. Scholars such as Ford et al. (2016) and Kelman et al. (2009) therefore advocate for a “polycentric” approach to climate governance that recognizes and integrates indigenous perspectives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEconomic Empowerment through Indigenous Knowledge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond resilience, Indigenous Knowledge also fosters economic empowerment. Economic empowerment is defined as the process by which individuals and communities gain the ability to make choices and transform those choices into desired outcomes (Kabeer, 1999). In the context of IKS, empowerment is closely linked to autonomy over land, labor, and local markets. Indigenous economies are typically characterized by reciprocity, sustainability, and collective decision-making—qualities that contrast with profit-driven capitalist models (Smith, 1999).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn St. Kitts and Nevis, economic activities rooted in indigenous knowledge include herbal medicine, bush tea production, craft-making, backyard gardening, and traditional fishing. Traditional livelihoods such as herbal medicine, fishing, and crafts not only sustain local economies but reinforce cultural identity and social cohesion (Browne \u0026amp; LaFond, 2013). In Nevis, for example, herbalists and bush doctors are recognized knowledge bearers and micro-entrepreneurs whose services are sought after by both locals and tourists. These activities are often carried out by women and older adults, serving as safety nets for vulnerable households (Taylor, 2011). Women, in particular, play a critical role as knowledge holders and transmitters in these informal economies, yet their contributions are frequently unrecognized in formal economic metrics (UN Women, 2020). Women in particular play a central role in the transmission and application of indigenous knowledge. Studies from Dominica and St. Lucia show how women-led cooperatives have commercialized organic farming, traditional skincare, and textile production while also promoting environmental sustainability (Wittman, 2009; FAO, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommunity-based cooperatives and microenterprises rooted in traditional knowledge can also serve as vehicles for empowerment. Beckford (2005) shows how rural Jamaican communities have revitalized indigenous farming practices to enter organic and fair-trade markets, enhancing both ecological integrity and income generation. Similar opportunities exist in St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly in areas such as eco-tourism, climate-smart agriculture, and medicinal plant value chains (Dunn \u0026amp; Masika, 2022). However, these opportunities are often constrained by inadequate policy support, lack of funding, and limited access to digital platforms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is growing support for aligning traditional knowledge-based enterprises with the green and blue economies—particularly eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and organic agriculture. However, this requires participatory governance and capacity-building to avoid co-optation or commercialization without benefit-sharing (Timmermans, 2015).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarriers to Integrating IKS in Development Planning\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite growing recognition of IKS, its integration into formal development processes in the Caribbean remains limited. Key barriers include epistemic injustice, policy marginalization, generational discontinuity, and the erosion of cultural values. Epistemic injustice refers to the systematic exclusion of indigenous knowledge from development discourse and decision-making (Fricker, 2007). In St. Kitts and Nevis, development plans often rely on imported models and consultants, with minimal input from local elders, farmers, or fisherfolk.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolicy frameworks also tend to treat IKS as static or outdated, rather than dynamic and evolving. According to Baptiste et al. (2017), this results in “tokenistic inclusion” where indigenous perspectives are mentioned in strategy documents but not reflected in budget allocations or program design. Generational discontinuity is another challenge, as younger generations migrate to urban centers or abroad, weakening traditional knowledge transmission. The influence of Western media and education further compounds this loss by promoting values that are often at odds with indigenous worldviews (Ndlovu-Gatsheni, 2013).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoreover, there is a lack of mechanisms to bridge formal and informal systems of knowledge. Education curricula rarely include local history or ecology, and research institutions often privilege quantitative methods over participatory approaches. As a result, indigenous voices are excluded from climate assessments, economic projections, and development evaluations (Ford et al., 2016).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToward a Decolonial and Inclusive Development Model\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe literature increasingly calls for a decolonial approach to development—one that prioritizes local agency, contextual knowledge, and pluriversal understandings of well-being (Escobar, 2018; Mignolo \u0026amp; Walsh, 2018). In this framework, IKS are not merely supplemental but foundational to designing development strategies that are just, sustainable, and inclusive. Decolonial approaches also interrogate the historical power relations embedded in knowledge production and institutional governance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSen’s (1999) Human Capabilities Approach further supports this perspective by emphasizing the expansion of people’s substantive freedoms to lead the lives they value. Applying this framework to St. Kitts and Nevis means recognizing the capability-enhancing role of indigenous economies, land-based practices, and social networks in fostering resilience and empowerment. It also implies reconfiguring metrics of development to include cultural vitality, ecological stewardship, and communal well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo operationalize these insights, scholars advocate for participatory action research (PAR), policy co-production, and transdisciplinary collaboration. PAR, in particular, allows communities to document their own knowledge systems, assess their vulnerabilities, and design their own solutions (Kindon et al., 2007). Regional organizations such as the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) have piloted such approaches with promising results in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation (CANARI, 2021).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Change and Vulnerability in SIDS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSIDS are disproportionately impacted by climate change despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, 2022). The Caribbean region has seen a steady increase in climate-related events such as Category 5 hurricanes (e.g., Irma and Maria), leading to loss of livelihoods, infrastructure damage, and displacement (Kelman, 2019). In St. Kitts and Nevis, economic dependence on tourism and agriculture exacerbates vulnerability, especially for rural and coastal populations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptive capacity is constrained by limited financial and institutional resources, as well as dependence on external development assistance (Pelling \u0026amp; Uitto, 2001). This context has catalyzed interest in community-based adaptation strategies that leverage local knowledge and strengthen social cohesion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntegration of Indigenous Knowledge in Policy and Practice\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral Caribbean-wide policy frameworks acknowledge the role of IKS, including the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCaribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)\u003c/strong\u003eand\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCaribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e Yet, their operationalization remains fragmented (Robinson \u0026amp; Witter, 2015). In St. Kitts and Nevis, climate change policy documents make limited explicit reference to indigenous practices, although community-based adaptation projects occasionally incorporate local actors (GCF, 2022).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UNESCO Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) Programme and IPBES (2019) call for the co-production of knowledge between scientists, policy actors, and indigenous communities. However, the challenge lies in bridging worldviews and establishing equitable partnerships.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnowledge Co-Production and Ethical Engagement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe literature emphasizes that using IKS ethically requires more than extraction; it necessitates\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003efree, prior, and informed consent\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u003c/strong\u003e benefit-sharing, and recognition of intellectual property rights (Battiste \u0026amp; Henderson, 2000). Scholars stress that co-production should involve iterative dialogue, mutual learning, and cultural humility (Chambers, 2008). Capacity-building and institutional reform are also essential to make space for indigenous voices within policy frameworks, particularly in SIDS where formal governance structures often mirror colonial legacies (Pelling \u0026amp; Uitto, 2001).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGaps in the Literature and Contribution of This Study\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile empirical literature on IKS in climate resilience and economic development is growing, few studies focus specifically on St. Kitts and Nevis. Much of the Caribbean scholarship is concentrated in larger islands such as Jamaica, Trinidad, and Dominica (Baptiste \u0026amp; Devonish, 2019; McConney et al., 2007). A study by Baptiste et al. (2015) in Trinidad showed how integrating traditional agricultural calendars with climate forecasts improved crop yields and resilience. In Dominica, after Hurricane Maria, local bush medicine and informal housing networks were key to post-disaster recovery (IFRC, 2018). Qualitative research by George and Weekes (2019) in St. Vincent highlighted how elder-led storytelling and ritual practices help sustain ecological knowledge. Such research underscores the value of participatory methods and ethnographic immersion in capturing the nuances of indigenous knowledge. This study contributes to filling this gap by offering a grounded, context-specific analysis of how IKS operates in a smaller, often overlooked SIDS setting. It also contributes an interdisciplinary perspective that bridges development theory, environmental governance, gender studies, and cultural anthropology.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy employing a qualitative, community-based methodology, the study elevates the lived experiences and voices of those at the frontlines of climate change and economic marginalization. It moves beyond abstract policy recommendations to document concrete practices, challenges, and innovations that emerge from within the communities themselves. Ultimately, it argues for a paradigm shift—from externally driven development models to endogenous strategies rooted in local knowledge, values, and aspirations.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESEARCH FINDINGS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis section presents the major findings from the qualitative investigation of how Indigenous Knowledge (IK) contributes to climate resilience and economic empowerment in the context of St. Kitts and Nevis. The findings are structured around four emergent themes identified through thematic analysis: (1) Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship; (2) Local economic resilience through traditional livelihoods; (3) Challenges to Indigenous Knowledge transmission; and (4) Integrative potential between IK and formal development planning. These themes illuminate how IK continues to play a pivotal yet under-recognized role in small island development.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndigenous Knowledge and Environmental Stewardship\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants across multiple communities emphasized that IK forms the basis of localized environmental management practices that have historically safeguarded biodiversity, soil quality, and water conservation. Elders from both islands shared stories of traditional planting calendars that align agricultural activities with lunar cycles and rainfall patterns. These calendars, often dismissed in modern scientific discourse, continue to guide crop decisions and harvesting times for some farmers, particularly in rural areas such as Tabernacle (St. Kitts) and Gingerland (Nevis).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommunity fishers reported long-standing practices of seasonal fishing bans and reef monitoring passed down through oral tradition. These practices were designed to allow marine ecosystems to replenish and were based on indicators such as the appearance of certain bird species or the blooming of coastal plants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne key informant stated:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Before the government tell we what season it is, our people already know. We watch the sea, the wind, the stars. That’s how we survive.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis empirical evidence underscores that Indigenous ecological knowledge is not static but evolves in tandem with environmental shifts—making it a dynamic tool for adaptive climate governance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocal Economic Resilience Through Traditional Livelihoods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother salient finding was that IK supports livelihood diversification and food security, two pillars of economic empowerment in the face of external shocks such as hurricanes or economic downturns. Participants highlighted several examples:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAgroecological farming\u003c/strong\u003e: Many smallholder farmers practice mixed cropping, composting, and water retention techniques rooted in ancestral knowledge. These methods reduce dependence on imported fertilizers and increase crop resilience to extreme weather events.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional medicine and herbal entrepreneurship\u003c/strong\u003e: In both islands, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbal remedies. Local women, in particular, have translated their IK into micro-enterprises—producing teas, oils, and tinctures from plants such as soursop, neem, and guinea hen weed. These enterprises contribute to household income while preserving pharmacological knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrafts and cultural tourism\u003c/strong\u003e: IK-informed skills like basket weaving, drumming, and storytelling have been monetized through community-based tourism initiatives. However, participants noted that such initiatives remain informal and are often excluded from national economic policy frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese findings reveal that IK not only sustains cultural heritage but also serves as a critical safety net for economically vulnerable households—particularly in rural and women-led contexts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChallenges to Indigenous Knowledge Transmission\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its value, participants expressed concern that Indigenous knowledge is rapidly eroding due to modernization, migration, and the undervaluing of traditional systems in educational and policy spheres. Key issues identified include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenerational disconnect\u003c/strong\u003e: Younger participants indicated a lack of interest in learning traditional skills, partly because they are perceived as backward or irrelevant in a digital world.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUrbanization and land loss\u003c/strong\u003e: Traditional land-based practices are threatened by urban expansion and land tenure insecurity, especially in areas where customary land governance systems are not legally recognized.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColonial legacies in education\u003c/strong\u003e: The formal school curriculum does not integrate Indigenous epistemologies, leading to a cognitive disconnect between what is taught in schools and lived community knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne teacher noted:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Our children know more about European explorers than their own ancestral planting techniques. That’s the real colonization.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis disconnect poses a serious threat to the sustainability of IK systems and their capacity to support resilience and empowerment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrative Potential Between Indigenous and Formal Systems\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile IK has often been sidelined in policy, findings show increasing local interest in its integration with formal climate adaptation and development strategies. Several participants—particularly community leaders and local government officials—advocated for a hybrid approach where IK complements scientific data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisaster preparedness\u003c/strong\u003e: Community elders’ knowledge of flood-prone areas and wind patterns has been used informally in emergency response. Some disaster coordinators expressed willingness to formalize this collaboration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnvironmental education\u003c/strong\u003e: NGOs and community schools in Nevis have started pilot programs where elders teach students about traditional farming, rainwater harvesting, and bush medicine.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCo-management of natural resources\u003c/strong\u003e: Participants from fisheries cooperatives expressed a desire to co-develop marine policies with state agencies based on both traditional and scientific knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis suggests that policy environments are increasingly receptive to participatory approaches that bridge Indigenous and institutional systems. However, this integration is still limited and lacks legal recognition.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCross-Cutting Observations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral cross-cutting insights emerged across all themes:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGendered Knowledge Systems\u003c/strong\u003e: Women and men often possess different types of IK—women lead in herbal knowledge and home-based economic strategies, while men dominate fishing and land management. Any integration strategy must be gender-sensitive.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpiritual and Cosmological Dimensions\u003c/strong\u003e: IK in St. Kitts and Nevis is deeply spiritual, often rooted in Afro-Caribbean cosmology. Development efforts that ignore these dimensions risk undermining trust and uptake.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColonial Histories and Resilience\u003c/strong\u003e: Many participants framed IK as a resistance strategy to colonialism and slavery, suggesting that it serves not only a practical but also a decolonial purpose in current development discourse.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImplications for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings confirm that IK significantly enhances both adaptive capacity and economic sustainability in SIDS contexts. Specifically, it:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eStrengthens anticipatory and responsive capacities to environmental change\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePromotes low-cost, context-specific livelihood options\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEnhances community cohesion and social capital\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBridges knowledge gaps in top-down development planning\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, without deliberate policy support, intergenerational transmission, and educational reform, these gains may be undermined.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo conclude these findings, the study demonstrates that Indigenous Knowledge in St. Kitts and Nevis is a vibrant, if undervalued, resource for both climate resilience and economic empowerment. Its integration into formal frameworks—when done respectfully and collaboratively—has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals. But this requires confronting systemic barriers rooted in colonial legacies, modernist biases, and generational disconnects. As a small island developing state, St. Kitts and Nevis must harness its unique cultural resources to build resilient, inclusive futures.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec36\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIndigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): A Living Repository of Climate Wisdom\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study reveals that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in St. Kitts and Nevis serve as a rich, dynamic repository of ecological wisdom, accumulated through generations. Participants\u0026mdash;particularly elders and community leaders\u0026mdash;shared detailed practices in traditional agriculture (such as intercropping, contour farming, and moon-phase planting), artisanal fishing, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, and the use of herbal medicine.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese practices illustrate what Berkes (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) describes as \u0026ldquo;adaptive management embedded in cultural systems,\u0026rdquo; where observation, experimentation, and spiritual beliefs are interwoven to respond to ecological variability. In St. Kitts and Nevis, many respondents pointed to the accurate prediction of weather through signs in animal behavior or cloud patterns, which aided in disaster preparedness.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, the findings also highlight the erosion of these practices, especially among youth, due to globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of Western education systems. This supports Sillitoe\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e) argument that IKS is often marginalized in formal development discourse, despite its contextual relevance. The need to document and revitalize these practices was a recurring theme, which directly addresses SDG Target 13.1 (strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec37\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eClimate Resilience Pathways: Community-Based Adaptation in Practice\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFindings indicate that communities in St. Kitts and Nevis use indigenous strategies to cope with increasing droughts, floods, and hurricanes. For instance, smallholder farmers spoke of the reintroduction of drought-resistant crops and soil moisture techniques learned from older generations. Coastal communities highlighted mangrove preservation as both a cultural and environmental practice\u0026mdash;offering protection against storm surges and sustaining fish stocks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWomen, in particular, played a vital role in localized resilience strategies, as custodians of food storage knowledge and informal care systems. This aligns with Leach et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), who argue that resilience-building must consider gendered roles within knowledge systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNonetheless, a key limitation is the lack of institutional support to scale these practices. Respondents noted that national adaptation plans rarely integrate indigenous practices, and technical assistance often favors imported technologies. This gap reinforces Ford et al.\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) call for more inclusive adaptation governance, where local knowledge is not only acknowledged but co-produced in planning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese insights correspond with SDG 11 (sustainable communities) and SDG 13 (climate action), underscoring how grassroots strategies can inform climate governance in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec38\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEconomic Empowerment Strategies: Knowledge-Based Livelihoods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEconomic empowerment emerged as both a desired and actual outcome of engaging indigenous knowledge. Respondents involved in traditional practices such as herbal medicine production, handcrafts, and eco-tourism reported increased income and community prestige. Youth engaged in these practices often used social media to market indigenous products, creating hybrid models that blend tradition with technology.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipants from women's cooperatives noted that using traditional food preservation methods not only enhanced food security during storms but also allowed for income generation. The revival of cassava bread production, for example, became a cultural and economic act of resistance against food dependency.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet, several barriers exist: limited access to markets, weak intellectual property protections for traditional knowledge, and inadequate institutional frameworks to support indigenous entrepreneurship. This is consistent with Escobar\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e) critique of development paradigms that overlook endogenous economic systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings affirm the need to reposition indigenous knowledge within the economic development discourse\u0026mdash;not as static or nostalgic, but as an engine for innovation. They support SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 1 (poverty reduction), as economic resilience was consistently tied to the ability to adapt and monetize local knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec39\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEnabling \u0026amp; Inhibiting Structures: Policy, Sociocultural Dynamics, and Governance\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe conceptual framework\u0026rsquo;s focus on \u003cb\u003eenabling and inhibiting structures\u003c/b\u003e is critical for understanding the uneven application of IKS. While respondents exhibited agency in adapting traditional knowledge, they also expressed frustration at its exclusion from formal climate and economic policies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor instance, some Ministry of Environment and Agriculture officials acknowledged indigenous practices but admitted there is no national inventory, legal framework, or integration platform. This confirms the institutional silos that scholars like Agrawal (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1995\u003c/span\u003e) have long criticized. Respondents called for participatory policy spaces that bring elders, youth, and policymakers together in co-design processes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCulturally, there was also a sense of generational disconnect. Younger respondents\u0026mdash;especially those with formal education\u0026mdash;expressed ambivalence about traditional practices, associating them with \u0026ldquo;old ways.\u0026rdquo; However, once involved in local projects (e.g., agroecology gardens or storytelling festivals), their attitudes shifted, indicating the potential of culturally embedded education programs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEducation systems were seen as both a constraint and an opportunity. The absence of IKS in the curriculum perpetuates epistemic marginalization, but pilot programs in Nevis that combine environmental science with oral history show promise. Thus, aligning formal systems with informal knowledge spaces becomes essential for long-term transformation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutcomes and Transformational Impact: Toward SDG-Aligned Development\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcross all themes, one core message stood out: Indigenous knowledge, when centered and empowered, enables more just, inclusive, and sustainable development. Respondents emphasized that true resilience must be rooted in cultural identity and self-determination, echoing Sen\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e) capability approach.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe research points toward a transformational development model where local knowledge is not a substitute for science but a complement. This resonates with decolonial scholars such as Santos (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), who advocate for epistemological pluralism in development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBy mapping traditional practices to SDGs\u0026mdash;such as gender equity in economic participation (SDG 5), biodiversity conservation (SDG 15), and community resilience (SDG 13)\u0026mdash;the study offers a model of integrated development that is contextually appropriate, socially inclusive, and ecologically grounded.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the findings suggest that incorporating indigenous knowledge into policy and education systems can catalyze systemic change\u0026mdash;moving beyond project-based interventions to structural transformation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis discussion, grounded in the conceptual framework, underscores that Indigenous Knowledge is not merely a resource to be \"harnessed\" but a worldview, a mode of living and learning, and a political claim to visibility and agency. In the context of St. Kitts and Nevis, it provides a grounded pathway for climate resilience and economic empowerment\u0026mdash;when supported by enabling structures and decolonized development approaches.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the Global South continues to face intensifying climate and economic crises, the call to integrate Indigenous Knowledge is both urgent and necessary\u0026mdash;not as token inclusion, but as a foundation for reimagined futures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, there is need to Reclaim Indigenous Knowledge as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis. This study affirms that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are not relics of the past, but vital, adaptive, and living repositories of environmental intelligence and socio-economic resilience. In St. Kitts and Nevis, IKS encompasses a range of time-tested practices\u0026mdash;such as traditional farming methods, ecological storytelling, communal land stewardship, and herbal medicine\u0026mdash;that have evolved through generations of experiential learning and spiritual-ecological alignment. These practices offer place-based, culturally legitimate responses to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and economic insecurity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, despite their demonstrated efficacy, IKS continues to be marginalized in formal climate adaptation and development planning. This research highlights the epistemic exclusion experienced by local communities who express deep frustration at being sidelined from the very policies designed to improve their resilience. This exclusion is further compounded by westernization and donor dependency, which often prioritize technocratic, top-down interventions at the expense of grassroots wisdom and autonomy. Such dynamics have contributed to the erosion of traditional knowledge transmission, particularly among youth, and the fragmentation of ecological-cultural practices essential to sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA salient finding of this study is the emergence of hybrid knowledge systems\u0026mdash;innovative blends of traditional and scientific knowledge that reflect local agency and pragmatic adaptation. For example, smallholder farmers synchronize ancestral planting calendars with meteorological forecasts, and traditional health practitioners integrate herbal remedies with biomedical referrals. These hybrid approaches demonstrate that IKS and Western scientific knowledge need not be mutually exclusive, but can function as complementary epistemologies in co-producing climate solutions that are both effective and locally resonant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImportantly, the research demonstrates that IKS offers more than environmental insight\u0026mdash;it provides a framework for community-based adaptation and economic empowerment. Knowledge-based livelihoods, such as organic farming, artisanal crafts, and ethnobotanical enterprises, not only reinforce cultural identity and ecological stewardship but also offer viable pathways for inclusive economic development. However, without supportive policy frameworks, these strategies remain under-leveraged.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study\u0026rsquo;s findings contribute meaningfully to critical development and climate adaptation scholarship by advocating for a transformational development model. This model repositions IKS not as a substitute for science, but as an equally valid, historically grounded, and culturally embedded source of knowledge that can complement scientific paradigms. It aligns with emerging discourses in post-development theory, decolonial climate governance, and the capabilities approach, which collectively argue for rethinking development from the ground up\u0026mdash;centered on local agency, cultural coherence, and intergenerational justice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, this research foregrounds the systemic barriers that hinder the institutionalization of IKS, including epistemological hierarchies, fragmented policy frameworks, and donor-driven project cycles. It calls for a paradigm shift toward SDG-aligned development that is participatory, pluralistic, and grounded in local realities. By centering IKS within the discourse on climate resilience and economic empowerment, the study provides a roadmap for integrating traditional knowledge into policy, education, and innovation ecosystems across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn sum, Indigenous knowledge in St. Kitts and Nevis must be recognized not as folklore to be preserved, but as a living, evolving, and strategic asset\u0026mdash;one capable of guiding adaptive, equitable, and sustainable futures in the face of global climate uncertainty.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRECOMMENDATIONS\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1. Institutionalize Indigenous Knowledge within National Climate and Development Policies\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite the vitality of IKS, it remains excluded from formal planning. The study reveals a critical need to integrate local knowledge into national adaptation plans, agricultural extension programs, and economic development strategies. \u003cb\u003eThere is need to\u003c/b\u003e develop a national inventory and database of Indigenous Knowledge practices, establish a legal framework that recognizes and protects indigenous practices, including intellectual property rights and Facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms where elders, youth, policymakers, and researchers co-produce knowledge and co-design policy interventions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. Strengthen Intergenerational Knowledge Transmission through Education and Cultural Programming\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYouth disengagement and epistemic marginalization are key barriers. Findings show that when young people engage in culturally relevant projects, their attitudes toward IKS shift positively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is need to integrate Indigenous Knowledge into school curricula through interdisciplinary subjects (e.g., agroecology, oral history, traditional medicine), \u003cb\u003es\u003c/b\u003eupport youth-led community projects such as storytelling festivals, traditional farming apprenticeships, and eco-entrepreneurship incubators and \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003eromote public campaigns that valorize IKS and counter stigmatization of traditional practices as \"backward.\"\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3. Support Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Knowledge-Based Livelihoods\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIKS is not just cultural heritage\u0026mdash;it is also an economic asset. Participants showed that traditional practices, when connected to modern tools and markets, can improve livelihoods and enhance resilience. There is need to \u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003erovide technical and financial support to indigenous entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, involved in traditional crafts, herbal medicine, and eco-tourism, create value chains and digital platforms that promote indigenous products locally and internationally and establish partnerships with regional bodies (e.g., OECS, CARICOM) to mainstream knowledge-based livelihoods into SIDS economic recovery and resilience strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResearch Gaps and Future Directions\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is a paucity of context-specific research on indigenous knowledge in St. Kitts and Nevis, especially concerning its use in economic planning and youth engagement. Digital documentation of oral traditions, women's leadership in traditional economies, and the role of indigenous ecological knowledge in tourism diversification remain underexplored.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFuture research should adopt intersectional and gender-sensitive lenses, employ participatory and decolonial methodologies, and strengthen South-South knowledge exchange across SIDS.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eEthical approval\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewill be sought from the relevant institutional review board. Key ethical principles include Informed consent, Confidentiality, Voluntary participation and Respect for cultural protocols. Participants receive verbal and written explanations of the study and they signed consent forms. Data was anonymized using pseudonyms. Participants were told that they can withdraw at any time without consequence, and Engagement with elders and community leaders followed appropriate cultural practices, including gatekeeper approval and reciprocal exchanges (e.g., sharing findings or co-created community briefs).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAgrawal, A. (1995). Dismantling the divide between indigenous and scientific knowledge. \u003cem\u003eDevelopment and Change\u003c/em\u003e, 26(3), 413\u0026ndash;439. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7660.1995.tb00560.x\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAlexander, C., Jones, J., \u0026amp; Trotman, A. (2011). Climate change and health in SIDS.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCaribbean Studies\u003c/em\u003e, 39(2), 111\u0026ndash;132.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAltieri, M. A., \u0026amp; Toledo, V. M. (2011). 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(2021).\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eKnowledge Sharing on Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Action\u003c/em\u003e. https://unfccc.int\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUN-OHRLLS. (2020).\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eSmall Island Developing States: Challenges and Opportunities\u003c/em\u003e. https://www.un.org/ohrlls/\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWittman, H. (2009). Reframing agrarian citizenship: Land, life and power in Brazil.\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eJournal of Rural Studies\u003c/em\u003e, 25(1), 120\u0026ndash;130.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUN. (2015). \u003cem\u003eTransforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development\u003c/em\u003e. United Nations.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUN Women. (2020). \u003cem\u003eThe role of women in informal economies in the Caribbean\u003c/em\u003e. UN Women Caribbean Office.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Indigenous Knowledge, Climate Resilience, Economic Empowerment, Small Island Developing States, St. Kitts and Nevis","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7384456/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7384456/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study explores the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in promoting climate resilience and economic empowerment in St. Kitts and Nevis, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced shocks. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with local farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and community elders. Guided by a decolonial and human capabilities approach, the study interrogates the intersections between cultural heritage, sustainable livelihoods, and local adaptation strategies. Data were analysed thematically to identify patterns of knowledge transmission, adaptive practices, and community-led innovation. Key findings reveal that traditional ecological knowledge, agroecological methods, and informal economic networks serve as crucial, yet underrecognized, tools for enhancing resilience and livelihood security. However, structural barriers such as policy marginalization and lack of institutional support inhibit the full integration of IKS into national development planning. The research contributes original insights into how local knowledge systems can serve as catalysts for inclusive, culturally rooted development, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It offers a compelling argument for reconfiguring development paradigms to centre Indigenous agency in climate adaptation and economic transformation within the Caribbean SIDS context.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience and Economic Empowerment: Pathways to Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-19 12:47:02","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7384456/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"1b150aeb-96d2-44e2-8ba8-a684b6290eef","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 19th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":53238369,"name":"Cultural Studies"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-19T12:47:02+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-19 12:47:02","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7384456","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7384456","identity":"rs-7384456","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}