Chapter 12. Working with Communities, Indigenous Peoples and Vulnerable Groups

Communities are partners. Treat communities as partners with their own priorities and knowledge. Engage them early to shape questions, methods and the use of results [6][9].

Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). For Indigenous peoples, FPIC means that consent is given without coercion, before research begins, with full information, and with respect for community decision-making structures [8]. In the Philippines, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act and procedures of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples require formal processes for research in ancestral domains [18]. Other countries have different frameworks, and some do not use the term “Indigenous” for particular groups, which can be politically sensitive. In Malaysia, research with Orang Asli and in Sabah and Sarawak involves federal and state authorities as well as community leaders. In Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia, minority peoples have distinct histories and relations with the state. Learn the local framework and the preferred terms of self-description.

Indigenous data governance. Ask who owns and controls data about a community, how it will be stored, who has access and how benefits will be shared. The CARE Principles provide a guide [7].

Vulnerable participants. Take extra care with children, people in poverty, migrant workers, refugees and stateless people, people with disabilities, survivors of violence and trafficking, people in detention, and people who may face legal risk (such as undocumented migrants). Seek specialized ethical guidance and use safeguards such as additional consent processes, trained interviewers and referral pathways [2][62].

Conflict-affected areas. Research in areas of armed conflict or high tension must consider whether it could harm participants, how to avoid fuelling tension, and whether the research can be done safely at all. Local partners know risks you may not see [59].

Avoiding extractive research. Signs of extractive research include no benefit to the community, repeated visits that demand time without return, outsiders publishing without acknowledging local partners, and failure to share results [6].

Returning results. Share findings in accessible formats and local languages: community meetings, posters, short summaries, radio or video, and ensure participants can ask questions and respond.

Benefit sharing. Consider capacity building, training, shared authorship, fair payment for local knowledge and sharing of any commercial benefits arising from traditional knowledge or biological resources [6][26].

Cultural respect. Learn about local customs concerning dress, greetings, religious practice, sacred sites, gender interaction and food and offerings. When uncertain, ask.

Reflection: Which groups in your study are vulnerable, and what extra safeguards will you put in place?