The use of indigenous knowledge in development: problems and challenges

Briggs, J. (2005) The use of indigenous knowledge in development: problems and challenges. Progress in Development Studies, 5(2), pp. 99-114. (doi: 10.1191/1464993405ps105oa)

Abstract

The use of indigenous knowledge has been seen by many as an alternative way of promoting development in poor rural communities in many parts of the world. By reviewing much of the recent work on indigenous knowledge, the paper suggests that a number of problems and tensions has resulted in indigenous knowledge not being as useful as hoped for or supposed. These include problems emanating from a focus on the (arte)factual; binary tensions between western science and indigenous knowledge systems; the problem of differentiation and power relations; the romanticization of indigenous knowledge; and the all too frequent decontextualization of indigenous knowledge.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Final version as accepted by Progress in Development Studies supplied by the author
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Briggs, Professor John
• Authors: Briggs, J.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Progress in Development Studies
• Publisher: Hodder Arnold
• ISSN: 1464-9934
• ISSN (Online): 1477-027X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2005 Hodder Arnold
• First Published: First published in Progress in Development Studies 5(2):99-114
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.