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The Centre for International Research and Advisory Networks (CIRAN)
in co-operation with UNESCO's Management of Social Transformations Programme (MOST) has established a Database of best practices on indigenous knowledge.
This database is part of the MOST database of Best Practices, which concentrates on poverty alleviation, but as yet has not touched upon indigenous knowledge. It contains examples of successful projects illustrating the use of this type of knowledge in the development of cost-effective and sustainable survival strategies, covering Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. It also includes a geographical and thematic index and an index of institutions. CIRAN and MOST have also produced a joint publication entitled "Best Practices on Indigenous Knowledge". It provides further details on Indigenous Knowledge and on the production phase of the database, including the selection of Best Practices, the indexes and a list of Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centers. Currently, the publication is only available via Internet.
What are Best Practices on Indigenous Knowledge? Aim of the database Questionnaire Selection procedure Contact information Definition of Indigenous KnowledgeThere are various definitions of Indigenous Knowledge (IK). One way to define IK is "the unique, traditional, local knowledge existing within and developed around the specific conditions of women and men indigenous to a particular geographic area." (1) Indigenous Knowledge has many aspects. Communities have their own indigenous methods for imparting knowledge, for example, just as they have indigenous ways of deriving a livelihood from the environment. Information, insight and techniques that are passed down and improved from one generation to the next cover such topics as medicine, animal breeding and production, water management, soil conservation, and pest management.
What are Best Practices?'Best practices related to indigenous knowledge' refer to examples and cases that illustrate the good use of IK in developing cost-effective and sustainable survival strategies for poverty alleviation and income generation, e.g. indigenous land use systems to encourage labour-sharing arrangements among farmers; using IK to increase the fuel-efficiency of local stoves instead of replacing them; using indigenous institutions by extending credit through existing village loan groups etc. In collecting the information we are not interested in the details of the indigenous knowledge itself (the technical specifications of for example the stove are not relevant here), but in the ways that knowledge has been adapted, applied, and disseminated.
Aim of the databaseThe aim of this database is to encourage researchers and policy-makers to incorporate indigenous knowledge into their project proposals, feasibility studies, implementation plans and project assessments, and to take indigenous knowledge and practices into account in all activities affecting local communities. We know that many people are working on projects in which indigenous knowledge plays an essential and practical role. It is very important that information about this kind of projects is made available world-wide so that other people can learn from the experiences. The database of best practices will play an important role in building a bridge between empirical solutions, research and policy.The first phase of data collection is finished. However, CIRAN will continue to add new material to the database. Therefore, we would highly appreciate it if you could assist and provide us with information on IK related best practices. You may use the questionnaire to describe a project, programme or activity you know of, or have been involved in, that contains information on the successful use of indigenous knowledge.
Selection procedureIn order to qualify as a best practice, the activity in question must be evaluated both by independent experts and by the people who are directly concerned. All questionnaires that are sent in will first be screened by CIRAN to make sure that the information is complete and that the activity meets the general definitions mentioned above. If the information meets the basic technical requirements, it will be entered in the IK database which CIRAN maintains. The description of the activity will then be sent to one or more independent referees who are known to be experts in a field relevant to the proposed best practice. These referees will decide if and when the practice is suitable for submission to UNESCO.If referees need more information about a proposed best practice or have suggestions as to how it could be made suitable, they will contact directly the person who described the practice on a questionnaire. This person will also receive the referees' report. Best practices that are judged suitable will be submitted to UNESCO for inclusion in the MOST database. 1. Louise Grenier - Working with Indigenous Knowledge. A guide for researchers. IDRC, 1998
For more information, please contact:
Information specialist Nuffic-CIRAN Tel: +31 70 4260321 Fax: +31 70 4260329 E-mail: [email protected] Paul de Guchteneire
MOST: Database Of Best Practices On Indigenous Knowledge
"The Centre for International Research and Advisory Networks (CIRAN) in
co-operation with UNESCO's Management of Social Transformations Programme
(MOST) has established a new Database Of Best Practices On Indigenous
Knowledge." The site includes a definition of indigenous knowledges, a discussion of
criteria for selecting "best practices," and a Registry of Best Practices that gives
numerous detailed summaries of projects in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America
that have sought to improve conditions and alleviate poverty through the successful
employment of indigenous knowledges. The site also links to CIRAN and MOST's
joint publication entitled "Best Practices on Indigenous Knowledge," which provides
further details on indigenous knowledge and on the production phase of the database.
For a review of MOST's home site and more about their projects worldwide, see the
November 18, 1997 Scout Report for Social Sciences. [DC]
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