Indigenous Economy in the Sikilta community, municipality of Siuna, RAAN

Abstract

URACCAN, Las Minas Campus, has undertaken actions to promote research in various areas. The study Indigenous economy in the community of Sikilta (Palmera), Siuna, 2007 to 2010, is part of that process.

The community is located in the Mayangna Sauni Bas territory, northwest of the urban area, above Uly’s river, 33 km, is part of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve (RBB) and Jinotega. It has a population of 155 families, 780 indigenous, distributed in 43.200 hectares (432 km2); the community was founded in the year 1818, it has access by water and curving roads.

The objectives intend to identify, describe items, perceptions of the people and proposals for its improvement. The methodologies and techniques included interviews, focus groups and observation, characteristic of cultural anthropology, to understand the economic culture. The research is socio-qualitative, with fieldwork as well as office work.

The economy is characterized as of "subsistence and consumption," based on agriculture, they plant (2/3, 3/4, 1/2, 1 acres, 50, 100 plants) per family; beside this they also dedicate to cattle raising, handcrafts, wood, hunting, fishing and harvesting.

Culture has not changed the economic items, before they used to cultivate bananas, cassava, pejivalle palm (known as supa), and a minimum of grains, now is the same.  They perpetuate ancestral activities, causing poverty.

They apply reciprocity and exchange among some families (known as Biri Biri), which is considered a remnant of the past; the practice is selective, the distribution of goods within the communities favors the vulnerable stratums and this was a custom from the past.

They preserve their identity and the consequences in material well-being are visible; the indigenous proposal is to seek support for agricultural items, commerce, education, health and housing.

Keywords: Indigenous economy; economy items; economic well-being; economic; perceptions; economic alternative.

CIENCIA E INTERCULTURALIDAD Volumen 8, año 4 No. 1 Erero - Julio 2011 pp.77-95