Natives know best. Wisdom resides with the witch doctor. This is the starting
premise of The Cultural Dimension of Development (D. Michael Warren et al,
Intermediate Technology, £16.95, ISBN 1 85339 251 0). Its 26 case studies,
from Indonesian forest medicines to indigenous Liberian steel making, shout loud
that local knowledge is the foundation for development, not a barrier to it.
Outside knowledge and technologies should be on tap, but never on top.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles