Dr. Ahmad Sabetghadam
Ph.D. Dissertation:
Indigenous Knowledge: Implications for the Theory and Practice of Agricultural Education and Extension
Abstract

Using a qualitative approach to examine agricultural extension documents, this research examines the philosophical and ideological aspects of agricultural extension with respect to its sensitivity toward indigenous knowledge.

The research shows that, in the evolution of agricultural extension theories and practices, local and/or indigenous knowledge has been devalued and deemed irrelevant to the goals and strategies of modern agricultural development. However, an emerging group of scholars suggest a need for agricultural scientists and policy-makers to look closely at the limitations of the dominant approaches based on the modernization paradigm of "development" and to incorporate local and indigenous knowledge into their practices. This study seeks to take on the challenge of articulating a systematic alternative framework for agricultural extension programs that meaningfully integrates indigenous knowledge into the theory and practice of agricultural extension programs.

The accumulated wisdom of local peoples, both indigenous and non-indigenous is crucial to the survival of future generations. The legitimation and incorporation of this knowledge into agricultural extension programs may in fact create a needed bridge between modern and traditional science, thus providing a crucial link for the survival of future generations.