Library and Information Sciences

Library and Information Sciences

Designing the Indigenous Knowledge Management Model of Qashqai Tribe

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Behnaz Soleymani 1
Mohammad Hasanzadeh 2
1 MSc, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
10.30481/lis.2025.561340.2316
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to design a comprehensive and applicable model for managing the indigenous knowledge of the Qashqai tribe. This model seeks to preserve, systematize, and facilitate the intergenerational transfer of the cultural, social, economic, and ecological heritage embedded in the tribe’s long-standing traditions. Given the increasing risk of knowledge loss due to modernization, urban migration, and demographic changes, the development of such a model is essential for safeguarding the intellectual and cultural assets of this significant Iranian nomadic tribe. The study aimed not only to document key domains of indigenous knowledge but also to provide a structured framework that supports sustainable development, cultural continuity, and informed decision-making at local and regional levels.
Methodology: This research employed a mixed-method approach, with the qualitative phase forming the core of the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with experienced elders and knowledgeable individuals, field observations during tribal activities, narrative writing, and review of historical and ethnographic documents. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method supported by MAXQDA software, which enabled systematic coding and extraction of key concepts. In the quantitative phase, SPSS26 software was used to analyze the data through a single-sample T-test with an assumed value of 3, allowing the validation of identified components and processes from the perspective of experts in knowledge management and indigenous studies.
Findings: Findings from the analysis revealed eleven main domains that constitute the core of Qashqai indigenous knowledge: agriculture and animal husbandry, traditional foods, traditional medicine, handicrafts, language and literature, music and dance, beliefs and religion, traditional clothing, traditional games and sports, migration patterns, and housing forms. Additionally, the study identified seven essential processes for effective indigenous knowledge management in the Qashqai context: identifying knowledge, recognizing and categorizing knowledge, acquiring knowledge, organizing and documenting knowledge, creating and enriching knowledge, disseminating knowledge, and generating value from knowledge through cultural, social, and economic applications. These processes form the backbone of the proposed model.
Conclusion: The final model provides a holistic and operational framework that encompasses all stages—from the discovery of indigenous knowledge to its practical application. This model can serve as a basis for establishing digital repositories, cultural knowledge centers, community training programs, or policymaking initiatives dedicated to preserving Qashqai heritage. The study underscores that systematic management of indigenous knowledge not only protects cultural identity but also strengthens social cohesion, supports sustainable livelihoods, and contributes meaningfully to community empowerment and long-term cultural resilience.
Keywords
Qashqai tribe
Indigenous Knowledge
Knowledge Management Model
بوزرجمهری، خدیجه؛ معصومی جشنی، مهدی؛ جهانتیغ، حسنعلی (1395). بررسی نقش دانش بومی و سنت‌های محلی زنان در تولید و مدیریت فرآورده‌های دامی (مطالعه موردی: روستای ابونصر، شهرستان بوانات). دانش‌های بومی ایران، 3(6)، 89-118.
توفیقیان اصل، امیر (1400). بررسی دانش بومی بر پایداری زیست محیطی عشایر کوچگر ایل ممسنی. مطالعات برنامه‌ریزی قلمرو کوچ­نشینان، 1(1)، 140-156.
حسن‌زاده، محمد (۱۳۹۹). استقرار اثربخش مدیریت دانش در سازمان‌های ایرانی: موانعی که باید برطرف شوند. علوم و فنون مدیریت اطلاعات، 6(4)، 7–14.
زارعی، هاجر؛ سارلی، سردار؛ تودار، رسول (1404). شناسایی مؤلفه‌های رفتار اطلاع‌جویی مشارکتی پژوهشگران در خصوص دانش بومی (مطالعه موردی: منطقه ترکمن صحرا). علوم و فنون مدیریت اطلاعات، 12(3)، 55-73.
سعیدی گراغانی، حمیدرضا؛ ارزانی، حسین؛ رزاقی بورخانی، فاطمه (1395). بوم‌شناسی فرهنگی، تحلیل دانش بومی زنان عشایر ایل سلیمانی در فرایند توسعه پایدار مراتع. دوفصلنامه دانش‌های بومی ایران، (5)3، 173-199.
شریفی­فر، فریبا؛ کوهپایه، عابد؛ متقی، محمدمهدی؛ امیرخسروی، آرزو؛ پورمحسنی­‌نسب، الهام (1389). بررسی اتنوبوتانی گیاهان دارویی شهرستان سیرجان استان کرمان. داروهای گیاهی، پیش شماره 2، 19-28.
دهواری، بهزاد؛ ریاحی نیا، نصرت؛ محمودی، حسن (1398). ارائه مدل پیشنهادی برای مدیریت دانش بومی در حوزه طب بومی در سواحل مکران. تعامل انسان و اطلاعات،6(۱). 89-102.
مجرد آشنااباد، مهران؛ سنبلی، علی؛ محبی، فریدون (1403). اتنوبوتانی گیاهان خوراکی مورد استفاده جوامع محلی شهرستان خوی. پژوهش‌های زیست قوم شناختی و حفاظت، 2(1)، 39-49.
References
Akullo, D., Kanzikwera, R., Birungi, P., Alum, W., Aliguma, L., & Barwogeza, M. (2007). Indigenous knowledge in agriculture: A case study of the challenges in sharing knowledge of past generations in a globalized context in Uganda. In World Library and Information Congress: 73rd IFLA General Conference and Council (pp. 19-23).
Bouzarjomehri, K., Masoum Jashni, M., & Jahantigh, H. (2017). The Role of Knowledge Indigenous and Local Traditions of Women in The Production and Management of Livestock Products (Case Study: Abunasr Village, Bavanat City. Indigenous Knowledge of Iran, 3(6), 89-118. https://doi.org/10.22054/qjik.2017.23061.1066.  (in Persian)
Dehvari, B., Riahi-Nia, N., & Mahmoudi, H. (2019). A Proposed Model for Indigenous Knowledge Management in the Field of Indigenous Medicine along the Makran Coast. Human and Information Interaction, 6(1), 89-102. (in Persian)
Dlamini, P. (2017). Applying the knowledge creation model to the management of indigenous knowledge research. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(1), 75-86.
FAO. (2014). Gender and Indigenous Peoples. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Hassanzadeh, M. (2020). Establishing Effective Knowledge Management in Iranian Organizations: Barriers that Need to Be Overcome. Sciences and Techniques of Information Management, 6(4), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.22091/stim.2020.1740. (in Persian)
Mojarrad Ashenaanbad, M., Sonboli, A., & Mohebbi, F. (2024). Ethnobotany of natural edible plants (Case study: Khoy city). Ethnobiology and Biodiversity Conservation, 2(1), 38-48. https://doi.org/10.22091/ethc.2024.11561.1039.  (in Persian)
Osei Jones, E. (2024)  Indigenous knowledge management practices in subsistence farming: A comprehensive evaluation. Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship, 3(2). 10.1016/j.stae.2023.100058
Riyahinia, N., & Mahmoudi, H. (2019). Identification of indigenous knowledge items and presenting the knowledge management model of indigenous medicine in Makran district. Human Information Interaction, 6(1). http://hii.khu.ac.ir/article-1-2857-fa.html. (in Persian)
Saeedi, H., Arzani, H., & Razaghi, F. (2016). Cultural Ecology; Soleimani tribal women of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development rangelands. Indigenous Knowledge of Iran, 3(5), 173-199. https://doi.org/10.22054/qjik.2017.17969.1045.  (in Persian)
Sharififar, F., Koohpayeh, A., Motaghi, M., Amirkhosravi, A., Puormohseni Nasab, E., & Khodashenas, M. (2010). Study the ethnobotany of medicinal plants in Sirjan, Kerman Province, Iran. Journal of Herbal Drugs, 1(3), 19–28. SID. https://sid.ir/paper/193771. (in Persian)
Siakwah, P., Ablo, A. D., Sheburah-Essien, R., Zaami, M., & Yaro, J. A. (2025). Adapting to climate change amidst innovation diffusion and declining indigenous agricultural knowledge and practices in Ghana. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 17(2), 217-228. 10.1080/20421338.2025.2459355.
Tofighian Asl, S. A. (2021). Study of indigenous knowledge on environmental sustainability of Mamasani nomadic tribes. Nomadic Territory Planning Studies, 1(1), 131-147. (in Persian)
Yeo, A. W., Zaman, T., & Kulathuramaiyer, N. (2013). Indigenous Knowledge Management in the Kelabit Community in Eastern Malaysia. International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development, 5(1), 23–36.
Zarei, H., Sarli, S., & Toudar, S. R. (2025). Identifying the components of collaborative information-seeking behavior of researchers regarding indigenous knowledge (case study: Turkmen Sahara region). Sciences and Techniques of Information Management, 12(3), 55-73. https://doi.org/10.22091/stim.2024.10425.2068.  (in Persian)