Research involving communities and their knowledge can result in unintended negative impacts: This guide supports indigenous communities in South Africa to understand the law and harness their rights in the context of externally-led academic research processes. The guide introduces international and national legal instruments, and considers some possible implications of the Indigenous Knowledge Bill in South Africa. Academic research ethic processes are scrutinised, and some potential benefits and risks of research considered. The final section warps up with tools that communities could utilise to enhance engagement with researchers. These tools include research ethics guidelines, community protocols, and community research contracts.
The guide is available in English and Afrikaans.