Strengthening indigenous organizations : the World Bank's indigenous capacity building program in Latin America
Uquillas, Jorge E. | Aparicio Gabara, Teresa
The paper looks at cross-country experiences in capacity building for change, and adaptation of indigenous peoples in Latin America, identifying their increased recognition that, to meet the challenges of modern society, they cannot rely solely on traditional forms of organization, knowledge, and skills, but must also embrace new forms of organization, and key elements of modern science, and technology. Largely due to pressures from the larger society, indigenous peoples have formed their own grassroots organizations, and ethnic federations, though often with conflicting issues with some classed-based peasant organizations, originally formed as branches of trade unions. Nonetheless, indigenous organizations have been created at the regional, and national levels, and coordinating groups at the international level. Improvements in social organization, and mobilization of indigenous peoples have allowed a few to play increasing roles in social, and political affairs, including advocating changes in legal, and institutional structures. However, globalization poses new challenges, which heighten the importance of consolidating indigenous organizations, and improving socioeconomic conditions, through greater involvement in determining how resources are to be distributed. To do this, indigenous peoples must broaden their knowledge, and skills base, in the design, administration, and evaluation of development projects for their social groups, and communities.
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