Publication: The Economics of African Indigenous Knowledge
Date
2003-02
ISSN
Published
2003-02
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
African Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is
labeled variously and misconceived at international
discussions and in modern literature. The most commonly used
phrases are "static," "low-value-added"
and "prior art", primarily in the context of the
Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS), of the World Trade Organization. Frequently one
finds expressions like mystery, charlatan, irrational, or
miracle in relation to traditional medicine, for instance.
Achievements of traditional medicine are considered
anecdotal or beyond scientific validation. The misconception
is further aggravated by the little or no growth in the
sector and a lack of understanding of the context in which
practitioners apply traditional medicine. Yet the literature
produced on this sector has not given much attention to the
factors that underpin these misconceptions is further
aggravated by the little or no growth in the sector and a
lack of understanding of the context in which practitioners
apply traditional medicine.
Citation
“World Bank. 2003. The Economics of African Indigenous Knowledge. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Notes; No. 53. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/697cc649-cf38-5fec-a513-ae3f54c67dd4 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”