Final answer:
The World Bank defines Indigenous Peoples by their distinct cultural identity and connection to land, which is problematic in Africa due to the continent's unique ethnic landscape and different understandings of indigeneity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The World Bank defines Indigenous Peoples as those with a social and cultural identity distinct from the dominant society that makes them vulnerable to being disadvantaged in the development process. They are recognized for their close ties to their land and natural resources, their self-identification and recognition by others as distinct groups, and their languages and cultures.
In Africa, this definition is problematic because the continent's complex ethnic and cultural landscape does not always fit neatly into such a definition. Issues arise due to the mobility of peoples, the legacy of colonial boundaries, and the fact that many African societies do not view themselves through a lens of indigeneity connected to pre-colonial times, which is a key criterion in the World Bank's definition. Thus, applying a global framework for indigeneity can overlook the unique characteristics of ethnic and cultural identities on the continent.
Moreover, the definition of Indigenous Peoples is foundational to policy development and intervention, which means that its incompatibility with African contexts can lead to the exclusion or inappropriate representation of certain groups in decision-making processes that affect their lives and rights.