Development and Local Knowledge (Hardcover)

Alan Bicker

ISBN 10: 0415318262 / ISBN 13: 9780415318266

Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, 2003

About this Item

Hardcover. Development agencies have for years been seeking a successful universal response to deprivation. Sparked by controversy and debate, the most recent trend is look for solutions among 'local' or 'indigenous' populations. Nevertheless, resources continue to be wasted in ill-conceived, centrally-imposed schemes that have not only failed to improve matters in lesser-developed countries but have often made them worse. In such instances it is not local knowledge that is problematic, but development agencies' total misinterpretation of it as just one more 'approach' that can be applied universally. Local knowledge can never be that panacea, because it is not in any sense generic. Development and Local Knowledge seeks to move on from this state of impasse by illustrating that the potential of local knowledge, in development or elsewhere, can only be achieved through recognition of its essential plurality.Perspectives from leading ethnographers and development professionals on issues such as conservation, agriculture and resource management illustrate that the complexity and cultural specificity of local knowledges can only be accessed via equally diverse theories and methodolog approaches. Whilst accepting that working with local knowledge is never easy, the book offers ways of advancing the relationship between local knowledge and development, and of furthering anthropology's role in development processes. As a rare example of serious study of local knowledge strategy and its applications, this book illustrates the growing need for real understanding of the issue and its power to assist in positive change. This text tells the story of the relationship between the Nage people of central Indonesia and the birds alongside which they co-exist. It aims for a total view of how a human community interacts with another zoological class, giving birds a chosen place in human ideas and social practice. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780415318266

Bibliographic Details

Title: Development and Local Knowledge (Hardcover)

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd, London

Publication Date: 2003

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: new

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

There is a revolution happening in the practice of anthropology. A new field of 'indigenous knowledge' is emerging, which aims to make local voices hear and ensure that development initiatives meet the needs of indigenous people.

Development and Local Knowledge focuses on two major challenges that arise in the discussion of indigenous knowledge - its proper definition and the methodologies appropriate to the exploitation of local knowledge. These concerns are addressed in a range of ethnographic contexts.

About the Author:

Alan Bicker, Paul Stillitoe and Johan Pottier are the editors of Participating in Development. Alan Bicker lectures in anthropology at the University of Kent in Cantabury. Paul Stillitoe is Head of Anthropology at the University of Durham and Johan Pottier is Head of Anthropology at SOAS in London. All three have wrotten widely on issues surrounding development and forms of indiginous knowledge