Indigenous knowledges and development: a postcolonial caution

Briggs, J. and Sharp, J. (2004) Indigenous knowledges and development: a postcolonial caution. Third World Quarterly, 25(4), pp. 661-676. (doi: 10.1080/01436590410001678915)

Abstract

As a result of the failure of formal top-down development, there has recently been increased interest in the possibilities of drawing upon the indigenous knowledges of those in the communities involved, in an attempt to produce more effective development strategies. The concept of indigenous knowledge calls for the inclusion of local voices and priorities, and promises empowerment through ownership of the process. However, there has been little critical examination of the ways in which indigenous knowledges have been included in the development process. Drawing upon postcolonial theory, this article suggests that indigenous knowledges are often drawn into development by both theorists and development institutions in a very limited way, failing to engage with other ways of perceiving development, and thus missing the possibility of devising more challenging alternatives.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sharp, Professor Jo and Briggs, Professor John
• Authors: Briggs, J., and Sharp, J.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography; H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Third World Quarterly
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISSN: 0143-6597
• ISSN (Online): 1360-2241
• Published Online: 07 August 2006
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2004 Routledge
• First Published: First published in Third World Quarterly 25(4):661-676
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher