A systematic review of Indigenous knowledge in global contexts

Abstract

This paper critically assesses the meaning of Indigenous Knowledge from a global context. Using content analysis of myriad descriptions of the concept and quasi-quantitative statistical techniques, this study examines the global elements that should be used to characterize Indigenous Knowledge. This is prompted by the fact that for decades, finding a common international and universal description that embraces the cultural diversity of Indigenous Peoples has proved to be challenging. The lack of standardization and consistency in the description of IK has remained a source of contention and controversy surrounding this knowledge system. Given that Indigenous Knowledge means different things to different individuals and organizations. In line with elements extracted from global studies; the current study mainly contextualizes Indigenous Knowledge as the knowledge that is entrenched within Indigenous communities.