ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a set of methods that take place within the context of a structured interview. Some of the methods are better conducted with individuals while others can also be used in focus groups and workshops. The fi rst set of methods, collectively known as cultural domain analysis, is aimed at uncovering local knowledge, its structure and variations (see Section 8.2). The second set of methods is used for documenting changes in communities over time, from seasonal cycles to family trees to historical events (Section 8.3). Conservationists need to be aware of both kinds of information, because local environmental knowledge underpins in part the choices people make about what and where to hunt, fi sh and gather plant resources. Part of this knowledge includes an understanding of natural cycles in the environment, such as weather, phenology and migration, as well as an understanding of the history of land use, confl icts over resources, and the particular circumstances and events that have led to the current situation. Besides this oral history, people may also have some knowledge of the future, in the sense that they may see trends in their environment and have an idea of where things are going and what they expect to happen. Understanding of and expectations for the future can have powerful effects on current behaviour, so the second set of methods can also be used to investigate possible futures of communities and environments.
