Indigenous-Governed Rural Production and Material Stewardship Under Climate Variability

Report Submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), March 2026

Author: Stephanie Zabriskie
ORCID: 0009-0000-9273-1529
Affiliation: Humanculture (Indigenous-led nonprofit organization)
Capacity: Founder and Executive Director

Abstract

Indigenous rural production systems often integrate environmental observation, place-based material knowledge, and community governance structures that sustain livelihoods under variable ecological conditions. This paper documents the Chorotega ceramic production system practiced in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua as an Indigenous-governed rural production system grounded in continuous environmental observation, regional earth materials, and household-based knowledge transmission within an integrated community governance framework. Ceramic production relies on locally and regionally sourced clays, sand, biomass fuels, and polishing materials, while production timing and firing practices are guided through direct environmental observation—monitoring heat, moisture, wind, and rainfall.

The system supports household livelihoods through rustica utilitarian vessels used for cooking, water storage, food preparation, and fermentation, as well as decorative ceramics produced for broader markets. Knowledge transmission occurs without gatekeeping within the Chorotega community, while technical knowledge regarding earth color preparation, earth and clay mixtures, fuel proportions, and specific material sources is protected from external appropriation, reflecting Indigenous sovereignty over the production system. Through its integration of circular biomass fuel use, locally cultivated bamboo, agricultural by-products, and natural polishing materials, combined with intentional respect practices acknowledging women's household authority and stewardship, the Chorotega system demonstrates how Indigenous governance and ecological knowledge sustain rural production continuity under climate variability.

The system forms a circular rural material network in which locally available earth resources, cultivated biomass, and agricultural by-products sustain production without external material substitution.

Recognizing such systems as Indigenous-governed production infrastructures rather than artisanal crafts provides insight for institutions seeking to support climate-sensitive rural livelihoods while respecting knowledge sovereignty and resource stewardship.

Download the full paper (PDF):

Indigenous-Governed Rural Production and Material Stewardship Under Climate Variability