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Cited by 2,189Indigenous Knowledge Systems and AgricultureIndigenous Health, Education, and RightsDecolonial Thought and Epistemologies

Dismantling the Divide Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge

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Agrawal, Arun·1995·Development and Change
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-7660.1995.tb00560.x
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Abstract

ABSTRACT In the past few years scholarly discussions have characterized indigenous knowledge as a significant resource for development. This article interrogates the concept of indigenous knowledge and the strategies its advocates present to promote development. The article suggests that both the concept of indigenous knowledge, and its role in development, are problematic issues as currently conceptualized. To productively engage indigenous knowledge in development, we must go beyond the dichotomy of indigenous vs. scientific, and work towards greater autonomy for ‘indigenous’ peoples.

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  • Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing are far more than simply information to be subsumed into mainstream Western science; integration in essence serves only to strengthen Western science for its own ends and to concentrate power in administrative centers rather than in Indigenous communities.

    “But, as noted above, Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing are far more than simply “information” to be subsumed into the mainstream of Western science (Agrawal, 1995)-which in essence serves only to strengthen Western science for its own ends and “to concentrate power in administrative centers, rather than in [Indigenous] communities” (Nadasdy, 1999).”

    From “Two‐Eyed Seeing”: An Indigenous framework to transform fisheries research and management (2021) · cites this paper as Agrawal, 1995

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Authors
Agrawal, A.
Affiliations
University of Florida (US)
Corresponding author
Agrawal, Arun
ORCID
Agrawal, Arun
Venue
Development and Change
Publisher
Wiley
Published
1995-07
Volume
26
Issue
3
Pages
413-439
ISSN
  • 0012-155X (ISSN-L)
  • 1467-7660
DOI
10.1111/j.1467-7660.1995.tb00560.x
OpenAlex
W2013045877
Cited by
2,189
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 119 · 2025: 112 · 2024: 82 · 2023: 96 · 2022: 104 · 2021: 137 · 2020: 147 · 2019: 109 · 2018: 127 · 2017: 85 · 2016: 97 · 2015: 86 · 2014: 120 · 2013: 101 · 2012: 85
FWCI
12.80
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 4862 d)
Locations
  • Development and Change (publishedVersion)
  • Digital Library Of The Commons Repository (Indiana University) (submittedVersion)
  • VTechWorks (Virginia Tech) (submittedVersion)
Funders
University of South Florida
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Agriculture
  • Social Sciences › Health › Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Decolonial Thought and Epistemologies
Keywords
indigenous knowledge, scientific knowledge, indigenous peoples, development

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