Indigenous microbiology: Why Indigenous knowledge matters in microbial science.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Ecology

Background:

• Indigenous peoples have long understood microorganisms in relation to environment, food, and health.
• These traditional understandings are often marginalized in mainstream microbiology.
• A gap exists in integrating Indigenous perspectives into contemporary microbial science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for Indigenous microbiology as a valuable framework for microbial science.
• To demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge can enrich microbiome research.
• To highlight the relevance of Indigenous microbiology to current global challenges.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on examples from environmental management, traditional fermented foods, and therapeutic practices.
• Analyzing the integration of Indigenous knowledge into ecological and cultural contexts.
• Conceptualizing Indigenous microbiology as a distinct scientific framework.

Main Results:

• Indigenous microbiology provides a broader framework by situating microorganisms within ecological, cultural, and ecosystem-specific relationships.
• Examples show Indigenous knowledge deepens microbiome research.
• This perspective offers insights for sustainable agriculture, food security, and antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusions:

• Indigenous microbiology is a vital framework, not a mere add-on, for microbial science.
• It enables asking more effective questions about microbial life and its impact on wellbeing.
• Integrating Indigenous knowledge fosters healthier and more sustainable strategies for human and environmental health.