Glocalised research design: exploring the encounter between Indigenous and Western methodologies among the Maasai Pastoralists in Monduli,Tanzania

Abstract

Drawing upon my experience of researching the encounter between Indigenous and Western knowledge among the Maasai in Monduli, Tanzania, I reflect on theoretical and practical aspects of a glocalised research design as an alternative methodological approach to Indigenous research. I explore how the design is embodied in the Maasai’s concept of enkigúɛ́ná (meeting) both as an ontological and epistemological framework for engaging diverse worldviews and knowledge systems in meaningful ways. The experience from the fieldwork shows that not only does the glocalised design offer possibilities for decolonising research and knowledge production but also it provides a dialogical space for co-constructing knowledge between the researcher, research assistants, and participants. The glocalised design offers new insights into the importance of research at the encounter where two knowledge systems constantly in tension, meet, interrogate, and negotiate with each other through a productive dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and create new knowledge.