Bridging Science and Society: The Integration of Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge Management

This study aims to address the effective incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Scientific Knowledge (SK) within economic development strategies in emerging economies, particularly focusing on the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. The objective is to assess the integration of these knowledge systems to promote sustainability of development policies. The research utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior to evaluate the behavioral intention of farming stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain regarding the use of KM as a tool for ensuring agricultural sustainability. An original dataset was collected through ad hoc questionnaires administered to farmers and their buyers and suppliers in rural Bangladesh. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to analyze the data and investigate the relationships among variables. The empirical analysis reveals that the synthesis of local IK and global SK through effective KM practices may promote agricultural sustainability. The results indicate that farmers and their stakeholders are willing to enact KM, as a crucial instrument for integrating these different sources of knowledge. This research encourages donors, agencies, and policymakers to rethink their development projects by emphasizing the importance of local expertise, experiences, and biodiversity. It underscores the necessity of integrating IK and SK into KM frameworks to ensure the sustainability of economic development initiatives in underdeveloped regions. This research offers practical insights for policymakers to develop frameworks that incorporate both IK and SK in agricultural policies. It highlights the need for training programs that bridge traditional and modern practices, fostering collaboration among local communities, agricultural stakeholders, and institutions. By integrating both knowledge systems, it can improve resource management, enhance sustainability, and support food security. The findings also encourage local decision-making processes, promoting resilience and adaptability in agricultural practices. This research blends anthropological insights and managerial strategies, demonstrating how integrating IK with SK can foster sustainable agricultural practices. It promotes local empowerment, respects cultural values, and encourages more effective, context-sensitive knowledge management approaches, bridging the gap between theory and practice in development. This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a coherent framework for integrating IK and SK through KM. It highlights the importance of local contexts in development strategies and offers insights that can inform better policy-making in emerging economies, particularly in the agricultural sector.