Showing papers on "Traditional knowledge published in 1982"

Popular participation in development in Africa.

Abstract: Discussion of whether popular participation can reasonably be hoped to constitute a decisive element in the future development of Africa. Both Africans and their outside partners are currently asking themselves this essential question. The author describes some concrete examples of participation in Africa including the building of a water supply for a squatter settlement in an urban area community planning in an urban area for public utilities services and roads to be installed with a minimum of building demolition; organizing family pharmacies and health committees to oversee them; recording of local knowledge and preparing kits of traditional and modern drugs in a rural area; exchanging of agricultural know how for greater food self sufficiency. It is argued that participation constitutes a precondition for African development. Among the constraints identified to popular participation the author cites the imposition of a simplified model which does not fit the different realities the top down organization of participation the varying cultural responses to participation the distortion of the concept by governments the antiparticipatory orientation of the educational and administrative systems past scorn for traditional knowledge and the heavy burden participation places on the poorest. Some of the areas for priority attention if popular participation is to become a generalized and effective reality in Africa are described. They include attention to the methods used in problem solving recognition of and support for traditional systems of communication and recognition of social development and public services as probably the most urgent felt needs. (authors modified)