Research Summary

In Cameroon, we will focus on how Baka hunter-gatherer are reorganizing their ecological knowledge (EK) following the division of the rainforest into national parks and commercial logging areas. In the area, there is a field station (FS) of Kyoto University, which has resumed dispatching researchers. This project will also use the FS as a base to conduct action research to revitalize children’s acquisition of EK. On the behavioral aspect, we will implement temporary childcare during women’s subsistence activities and clarify the effects on multiple-child care, which has been the focus of many researchers on child-rearing and attachment. On the language aspect, we will conduct classes on traditional knowledge for caregivers and clarify its impact on children’s acquisition of EK. On the institutional aspect, we will discuss the impact of the introduction of welfare policies on traditional child care and care for children with disabilities.

Research Theme: Main Research Topic

Socialization of behavior: Temporary childcare and multi-person care during subsistence activities

Embodiment of language: Class work of traditional knowledge and children’s EK acquisition

Internalization of institution: Welfare policy and conventional child rearing and care for children with disabilities

Reports