This paper has been prepared in the context of the World Bank’s Indigenous Knowledge for Development Initiative, which intends to develop a global knowledge partnership (a network of public, private and not-for-profit organisations from both developed and developing countries).

It highlights the involvement of the knowledge base of the poor and emphasises the importance of IK in development activities, stressing that integration of IK in development activities will improve their results.

The paper proposes a framework for action around four pillars: disseminating information; facilitating exchange of IK among developing-country communities; applying indigenous knowledge in the development process; and building partnerships.

A paper acts as an excellent introduction to IK-related issues, and the annexes provide several useful overviews and action plans for IK in development.

A French version is also available

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