2013

Kalash Indigenous Entrepreneurship and the Question of Sustainable Economic Development

Abdul Manan (12P00023) M. Salman Ahmed (12P00004) M. Zeshan Farooq (12P00005) Sadia Khatoon (12P00018) Sara Ayaz (12P00042) Lahore School of Economics
06/24/2013

Kalash Indigenous Entrepreneurship and the Question of Sustainable Economic Development: Iqbal M.Khan This paper puts light on cultural determinants of indigenous entrepreneurship among the community of Kalash. The aspiration behind this study is actually to discover how to overcome the isolation, vulnerability and to foster sustainable economic development in this community. Research group of nine people was constituted which was divided in undertake research papers based on initial data collection to develop three papers. The most colorful indigenous community of Pakistan attracted lot of attention because of its unique, culture and heritage. According to Paredo direct economic development assistance for indigenous communities is not sustainable, second wave of development is required to empower these communities. This paper basically answers following three questions: 1. What factors foster the environment for entrepreneurship among indigenous community, specially the kalash community? 2. How can kalash community reconcile innovation & heritage to create successful entrepreneurial ventures for their economic development? 3. Does a culture Entrepreneurial attitude model explain how culture influences indigenous entrepreneurial attitude leading to new venture creation and sustainable economic development? This was the first ever study of entrepreneurial and entrepreneurship aspect of Kalash community. Research was done through formal questionnaires, rehearsed surveys and in-depth interviews. Many of the kalash claim descent of from the armies of Alexander the great as he passed this route into sub-continent and indeed their faces do look strikingly similar to those you would encounter in Croatia or Montenegro. The kalash are the surviving Kafirs of Kafirstan, the land of infidels (Jonathan Foreman, 2007). For the centuries kafirstan lay across the border of Afghanistan and in Pakistans side small tribes are sub divided into mini tribes. Kalash is located in KPK, in three isolated mountain valleys at an average height f 1900-2000m. Kalash mythology and folklore has been compared to that of ancient Greece. Society of kalash has not only shrunk in numbers less than 6000 but also in area of 300 sq km. IUCN and UNESCO have declared kalash an endangered minority. Maureen Lines an eccentric English woman dedicated her life to support the society of kalash in every possible way. She got the training to become paramedic and her views were to improve sanitation and education before electricity and improved roads.

Deforestation and the sacrifice of goats were the two major disasters, kalash is facing. Kalash are their own worst enemies said by Durrani a government official. People of kalash wish to have their culture in original form. After having a look on all of the aspects we can say that they lack the ability of risk taking and they are inward looking and wait for the things come to them. Hindle, K., Moroz P., (2010) in his paper concluded that Indigenous entrepreneurship has been considered a distinct disciplinary field of science very recently and the definition of indigenous entrepreneurship is The indigenous entrepreneurship is the creation, management and development of new ventures by indigenous people for the benefit of indigenous people. The organization thus created can pertain to either the private, public or non-profit sectors. The desired and achieved benefits of venture can range from the narrow view of economic profit for single individual to the broad view of multiple, social and economic advantages for entire communities (including non indigenous). In a survey by Iqbal M. Khan, they have seen Kalasha as taking an entrepreneurial inclined decision and venture creation with strong entrepreneurial intention. Reconcile innovation and heritage: The prevalent businesses in three valleys of kalash were running merchandize shop, wood cutting and timber factory (carpenting), wine making and hotelling. Business of schools is another potential sector in kalash valley. Women of kalash have also shown entrepreneurial capabilities for instance they are good in preparing jewelry made of beads and necklaces of beads and clothes and head gears are of kowri and beads and decorative items. Cultural influences Indigenous Entrepreneurship leading venture creation: A successful entrepreneur Sabir Ahmed is a kalash, who started off his business of merchandize shop at the age of fifteen while studying. His initial investment was of rupees 80,000 rose by his brother. In 2010, he owned a chain of 5 stores but two got destroyed in floods. His ambition was to become a biggest chain store in this region. Other non-timber products of kalash valley are: maize, wheat, bean, potatoes and vegetables. Major fruits are walnut, chilgoza, almonds, apple, apricots, grapes and pears. Some other famous products are Mushrooms, honey, medical plants, peanuts and Russian olives. Livestock another potential income of kalsah is an endangered sector. Pater (1987) says that indigenous rituals and moral values surrounding transhumant livestock husbandry especially goats has led to depleting the stock. Maselli et al (2005) have also indicated the kalash as Indigenous community depends on small to large herds of goats, sheep, cattle and buffalo serves as primary or secondary source of livelihood.

A Parallel Religion through Dezalik: Boys of kalash are taught pastoral practices and grow up among goats. Animal husbandry plays a vital role involving male members. On the other hand women are off limits from pastoral areas and practices what is known as pure-impure polarity. on the whole the space forbidden to women is much longer than one forbidden to men, the bashali. The women do not even get to eat the goat meat of scarified goats. Such cultural dilemma has to be considered seriously while adopting strategy for economic development of kalash.

Sustainable Economic Development: An Indigenous Perspective: Val Lindsay The concept of sustainable development emerged in the 1980s in an attempt to explore the relationship between development and the environment. Brundtland defined sustainable development as The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs. And a very famous Kenyan proverb phrasing the concept of sustainability We do not inherit the earth from our parents; we borrow it from our children. Sustainable development concerns ideological, political, ecological and environmental factors. While economic growth and environmental sustainability are clearly key components of sustainable development, social, cultural and political elements are also important. Indigenous views of sustainable development appear to have broad similarities across different groups. Many of these groups have practiced sustainable development for centuries and the concept of sustainability is deeply rooted in their tradition. A study was conducted on the heritage tourism development, considering particularly the sustainability of heritage and culture in Hong Kong and Singapore. This study showed that culture-based tourism may assist in preserving a destinations cultural heritage, but it also accelerated change in the local society. One of the studies suggests that while not universal among Maori, many regard economic development as a trade-off with other elements. Li quoted heritage is viewed as part of the cultural tradition of a society, whereas tourism is a form of modern consumption, dynamic in nature. Tradition implies stability or continuity, whereas tourism involves change. Research has shown that Maori who are more inclined to the holistic perspective are those who respond strongly to the influence of their traditional value. Kristiansen studied the small-scale entrepreneurs and suggested that the business environment may look different to entrepreneurs of various social standings and ethnic and class backgrounds. New small-scale entrepreneurs might not have the appropriate types of motivation, may not perceive available business opportunities, or could be hindered by formal procedures and bureaucracy. They are easily marginalized in the liberalized economy. While the key elements of sustainable development present challenges for indigenous communities, they are also recognized as linked and interdependent. Indigenous communities have recognized the holistic nature of sustainable economic development for generations. Indigenous people may perceive business in ways that are different to those represented by the dominant paradigm of western cultures. Business development may be viewed from three perspectives; motivation for business development, business principles and practice and desired business outcomes. Usually Maori believed that the motivations for business and desired business outcomes are generally different to those represented in contemporary western business models, while the principles and practice of business are very similar. They are motivated by the social needs of their communities than

the economic objectives. Business development provides opportunities for employment and training of community members. Also business success is necessary to support the initial motivations and to achieve the desired outcomes, which are generally different to western business expectations. A number of models have been developed for sustainable economic development at a community level. The international development literature increasingly recognizes the importance of community participation for effective community development. The community may determine social, cultural and political frameworks in which local businesses must operate. It may also provide labor and other resources, and a significant local market. Research has shown several characteristics of successful economic development in rural communities. Some of them are leadership, cooperation and commitment of key stall within local and regional agencies. Leadership was the most effective; their role was to decide which action was needed to improve the local economy and make an agenda for years to take that action. Cooperation was extended to outside agencies and their goal was to benefit the communities rather than individuals. Commitment of key staff within local and regional agencies was shown to be a catalyst for an aggressive economic development program, often linked to an individual who analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of a community to assist in the development of an economic development strategy. Human resource development has the capacity to harness tradition and culture in ways that strengthen the economic and social resources in their communities. Traditions and cultures of indigenous people can bridge the old and new perspectives of sustainable development. Culture also plays a vital role in entrepreneurship; decisions made independently of specific culture are less likely to succeed than those that consider culture. Cultural dimensions of a community may influence the mechanisms and style of business development and the motivations and attitudes of individuals in the community. Individuals should have appropriate motivation and attitudes to be successful in business development.

Comparison: First article focuses on the Kalash minority of Pakistan while the second article focuses on the Maori people; who are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Both articles focus on sustainable economic development and emphasize on fostering sustainable economic development within these communities. First article quotes Paredo who stated that direct economic development assistance for indigenous communities is not sustainable so these communities should be empowered to become entrepreneurial which is the path of self-sustainability while the second article states Maori people are motivated by the social needs of their communities than the economic objectives. Article two states Business development may be viewed from three perspectives; motivation for business development, business principles and practice and desired business outcomes. Both articles have focused on the culture part of these communities, article one states that the culture of Kalash people have attracted many people which can promote tourism while the second article presents somewhat a same view stating that culture-based tourism may assist in preserving a destinations cultural heritage. Both articles are of the view that sustainable development within these indigenous communities can only be created through entrepreneurial venture creation. Article one mentions vocational training as a major factor that can be used to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development among Kalash indigenous community while article two mentions multiple factors that can be used to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development like financial assistance, technical training, technical and managerial assistance and infrastructure etc.

Conclusion: Social, political, environmental, and human resource development policies and programs must recognize and incorporate the unique cultural and traditional aspects of communities, and the importance of these in sustainable economic development. Instead of economic assistance to these indigenous communities focus should be more on developing entrepreneurial skills among these indigenous communities through awareness programs, vocational training and managerial assistance etc There should be a focus on the development of sustainable economic development models at community levels. Indigenous communities should be encouraged to indulge in various projects and activities to help them learn new ways and to promote entrepreneurial culture among them.