“Plugging” indigenous knowledge into scientific knowledge in agricultural research and development
Keywords:
Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, climate adaptation, agroecology, biodiversity, co-creation, intellectual property, inclusive policy, traditional practices, knowledge systems, participatory research, indigenous rights, environmental governanceAbstract
This policy brief calls for a transformative shift in how Indigenous knowledge is valued and integrated across research, policy, and practice. It emphasizes the urgent need to recognize Indigenous knowledge as a foundational knowledge system essential in agricultural research and development. Despite its proven effectiveness in areas such as sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation, Indigenous knowledge remains marginalized due to systemic exclusion, cultural assimilation, and intellectual property exploitation. Drawing on concrete case studies on soil fertility management in Africa, the brief contrasts modern agricultural practices with inclusive approaches that integrate Indigenous knowledge with scientific knowledge. This brief advocates for the need to integrate indigenous knowledge and practices with scientific knowledge toward an effective knowledge system and development interventions. It also provides practical recommendations for researchers, policymakers, academia, civil society, and indigenous communities to co-create equitable knowledge systems and institutional frameworks that value, protect, include and promote Indigenous knowledge. The policy brief was written as part of the Knowledge Management for Agricultural Development (KM4AgD) Challenge 2024, an initiative of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and collaborating institutions.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dorcas Alame Sanginga, Mabel Lum Shu , Maurelle DIEZOU Evelyne , Ruben Tchounyabe, Jean-Louis TSHISAMBU MAMBA , Kwazi Zuma, Kisito Gandji
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