They are bombarded by technology that teaches them non-indigenous ways and limits the capacity of elders to pass on traditional knowledge to the young. As the elders die, the full richness of tradition is diminished, because some of it has not been passed on and so is lost. It is important therefore to find ways of preserving this knowledge. One of the most effective ways to embody it in the decisions about projects that affect the communities. Too often, traditional knowledge is incorrectly made parallel only to science.
Science is but a small part of non-indigenous knowledge.
Similarly, to suggest that traditional knowledge is only the equivalent of science is to diminish incorrectly the strength and breadth of traditional knowledge. Thus, the suggestion that traditional knowledge should be characterized as traditional science diminishes its breadth and value. While it is not appropriate to compare scientific and traditional knowledge as equivalents, the use of traditional knowledge in scientific knowledge in science means that the two knowledge bases will be in contact with each other as practitioners attempt to weave the two together. To see a comparison table of traditional and scientific knowledge styles and uses, click HERE . Role of women and children in traditional knowledge Traditional knowledge that is held by women needs special consideration for a number of reasons.