Indigenous knowledge perceptions and development practice in northern Malawi

This paper discusses contested issues in development related to Indigenous knowledge, and conventional development practice and theory. Drawing on findings from field research, this paper argues that although development aims at improving the quality of life of people concerned, the understanding of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Geographical journal Vol. 180; no. 4; p. 292
Main Authors Moyo, Boyson Henry Zondiwe, Moyo, Dumisani Zondiwe
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2014
Subjects
Economic growth
Farmers
Income
Knowledge
Native peoples
Perceptions
Quality of life
Malawi
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Summary:This paper discusses contested issues in development related to Indigenous knowledge, and conventional development practice and theory. Drawing on findings from field research, this paper argues that although development aims at improving the quality of life of people concerned, the understanding of such improved life quality is different between local people and development experts. Experts emphasise economic growth as measured by per capita income, which is sometimes inadequate in explaining local people's understanding of development. The findings of the study lay bare the underlying values of local farmers in northern Malawi that contribute to improving quality of life and living standards. Indigenous knowledge developed by farmers shows that progress is understood in terms of adequate food, fresh, tasty value-laden food available for consumption and utilising more than one part of the crops grown, and not just adequate income.
ISSN:0016-7398
1475-4959