It is the result of a continuous process of experimentation, innovation, and adaptation, which enables indigenous knowledge to blend with science and technology as well. Indigenous knowledge should be further integrated in the work of scientists as a complementary contribution to all efforts of science and technology in its search for solutions and strategies to combat poverty and to generate sustainability in development. It is therefore fortunate to observe that global science has acknowledged the relevance of indigenous knowledge as well. Local communities and other relevant players should be involved in these projects. Development professionals consider indigenous knowledge as an invaluable and under-utilised knowledge reservoir, which presents developing countries with a powerful asset.
Indigenous knowledge is an important part of the lives of the poor.
It is a key element of the social capital of the poor, their main asset to invest in the struggle for survival, to produce food, to provide for shelter or to achieve control of their own lives. For this reason as well, the potential contribution of indigenous knowledge to locally manageable, sustainable and cost-effective survival strategies should not be neglected.