Indigenous knowledge as Cultural Capital and Internal Migrations: Opportunities and Constraints for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Bangladesh.

Indigenous knowledge has been a crucial component of social and economic growth in recent years, particularly at the local and rural levels. The local voice, priorities, and pledges to empower residents by taking control of the social process are therefore all included in the notion of indigenous knowledge. 'Indigenous knowledge' was lauded as a potential solution to the development deadlock towards the century's close, particularly after the development imperatives had lost much of their early promise. The multitude of criticalities presented undeniable proof that traditional development organizations and funding bodies have launched their initiatives with minimal regard for local perspectives and the wisdom of the community. Scholars and academics have recently fantasized about a "post-development" age when "indigenous" and communal knowledge might provide innovative alternatives to development (Esteva, 1988; Escobar, 1995; Rahnema, 1997; Sachs, 1992). Previously, traditional knowledge was regarded as a significant impediment to progress; however, contemporary researchers and policymakers assert that it may be crucial to dialogues on sustainable resource management and impartial development (Agrawal, 1995). The transformation of the global economic landscape exerts a direct influence on local or rural dynamics and community cohesion. The swift expansion of urbanization and the relentless impact of globalization have created a complex array of dimensions affecting local lives and livelihoods. Urban areas are increasingly emerging as a realm of potential for better livelihood and economic prospects, as well as a hub of enhanced opportunities. The phenomenon of liberalizing ideas and knowledge, goods and products, culture and communication, as well as human interactions and agencies, along with the global market and social institutions, demonstrates a pervasive influence that shapes our world. Migration driven by globalization, can significantly impact rural communities by eroding the social capital embodied in indigenous knowledge. The effects may counteract sustainable agriculture by promoting intensive farming, labor-saving production methods, extensive mechanization, and alternative land uses beyond food production. The research project explores the following line of reasoning: the impact of globalization, including export processing zones and the garment industry, on internal migration subsequently influences social capital and indigenous knowledge within rural areas. Therefore, chapter four explored the effects of globalization, represented by export processing zones and the garment industry, on internal migration, which in turn affects social capital and indigenous knowledge in rural areas. The results of the structural equation modelling indicate that migration intentions are mainly influenced by subjective norms and, to a lesser extent, attitudes towards migration and perceived behavioural control. The study presented an empirical contribution via a case study of a rural community in Bangladesh, illustrating the practical feasibility and importance of integrating Indigenous Knowledge (IK) with Scientific Knowledge (SK). It provided evidence for the application of IK through a knowledge management model (KM) to address local agricultural challenges while meeting broader sustainability goals, distinguishing it from research that is either theoretical or focused on generalized concepts. The findings suggest that local stakeholders in Bangladesh regard indigenous knowledge (IK) as a legitimate and technically viable approach, leading them to integrate it with scientific knowledge (SK) within a knowledge management (KM) framework. This observation differs from earlier studies that often highlight a resistance to or skepticism regarding IK among development professionals. The research highlights the cognitive and behavioral motivations of local stakeholders in engaging with Indigenous Knowledge, especially concerning ecological sustainability. Previous studies have often characterized IK as a passive element, assuming that communities would exclusively adopt SK-driven initiatives. This study challenges the notion, showing that stakeholders regard the environmental and cultural dimensions of Indigenous Knowledge as essential for achieving sustainability and ecological balance. This research supports that KM may facilitate the integration of IK and SK in a manner that is psychologically and culturally validating for local populations, hence fostering resilience and creativity within KM. By establishing IK as a fundamental component of KM rather than a supplementary one, the study sets a benchmark for future research to see IK-SK partnerships as a conventional strategy for sustainable development and KM. This integrated KM method addresses a significant deficiency in existing literature, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between IK and scholarly knowledge (SK), hence promoting sustainability in alignment with both local and global requirements. This research supports policymaking by offering a practical, evidence-based framework for integrating Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Scientific Knowledge (SK) into development plans, thus reshaping national and international policies to promote more inclusive and sustainable development. This study experimentally demonstrates the integration of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) with Scientific Knowledge (SK) by local communities to address agricultural and environmental challenges, highlighting the limitations of standardized, SK- focused approaches commonly employed in development projects. The research underscores the necessity for national politicians to implement policies that recognize and institutionalize IK within KM, so establishing a basis for sustainable local practices that can enhance scientific advances. International organizations, especially those financing pro-development initiatives, are urged to contemplate locally integrated KM that utilizes IK, so creating policies that honor cultural contexts, improve community involvement, and advance information-sharing systems. This inclusive strategy might enhance the adaptability of development initiatives to regional demands, hence boosting their relevance and efficacy in undeveloped regions such as Bangladesh.