Research & Documentation Project
Preserving indigenous knowledge for future generations
The Research & Documentation Project systematically documents, analyses, and preserves indigenous conflict resolution practices across Northern Ghana through field research, oral history collection, and archival work.
Objectives
- Document traditional conflict resolution practices in all 16 districts of the Northern Region
- Publish 10 peer-reviewed research papers annually
- Create a digital archive of oral histories and mediation records
- Train 20 community researchers in participatory documentation methods
Research Methodology
The project employs a participatory action research approach that centres traditional knowledge holders as co-producers of knowledge. Research teams comprising Institute scholars and community researchers conduct extended fieldwork in traditional areas, documenting mediation practices through interviews, observation, and oral history collection.
Documentation Areas
- Traditional mediation protocols and procedures
- The role and authority of traditional mediators
- Indigenous concepts of justice, reconciliation, and restitution
- Ritual and symbolic elements of conflict resolution
- Gender dimensions of traditional peacemaking
Impact
The project has produced 24 publications including peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, and field reports. Our growing digital archive contains over 200 hours of oral history recordings and documentation of 150 unique mediation practices across five regions.