Tapping Indigenous Knowledge to Power the National Development Agenda: the Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centre Approach

Abstract

The world is witnessing unprecedented impetus to leverage Indigenous Knowledge (IK) as a means of spurring development interventions. This momentum derives primarily from the appreciation that IK is vital for development and indeed a resource for addressing the myriad development challenges in different sectors. Unfortunately, due to preoccupation with ‘western’ knowledge systems the power of IK is adversely obliterated. Through literature review, this paper sought to advance understanding and appreciation of IK as a resource in national development. It concludes and recommends that Information Centers, particularly libraries should establish specialized units to handle IK – the Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centers. As a best practice, such centers should undertake action research, documentation, awareness creation, policy advisory, networking and publishing as a way of leveraging IK.