Published on 08-01-2025, Last modified on 08-01-2025
Seminar: ‘Doing development’: Epistemic Justice and the Integration of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in Research and development
‘Doing development’ : epistemic justice and the integration of indigenous and local knowledge in research and development.
While there are different forms of knowledge – such as local, indigenous, and academic ways of knowing –, not every knowledge is treated similarly when it comes to providing evidence for decision-making processes. Mostly, this role is reserved for academic knowledge, yet increasingly the limitations of an academic approach are acknowledged. While there are various ways to involve indigenous and local knowledge in academic research and projects, this often does not lead to lasting recognition of these marginalised knowledge systems, unless explicit space is created for them.
Despite the recognition of diverse ways of knowing, academic attitudes, routines, and procedures often downplay or neglect these alternative forms of knowledge. The growing demand for the decolonization of (agricultural) development and the need for a more equitable society calls for greater pluralistic approaches as well as epistemic justice.
This seminar will explore what a genuinely participatory approach looks like from governments, NGOs, and researchers. We will discuss how epistemic justice can be achieved in development processes and research.
Join us and share your perspective! We kindly invite you to be part of this conversation.
Dr. David Azupogo is a lecturer at the Organisation Development (OD) Institute, Accra, Ghana and the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, Bolgatanga, Ghana. He holds a PhD in Culture and Development Studies, a Masters of Arts and Post-Graduate Diploma in Organization Development, and a BSc. Agriculture Technology (Agronomy option).
Next to his academic activities, he is currently the Executive Director at META Foundation. David is a professional with over 20 years’ experience spanning Organization Development, Social Development, Agriculture, Project management, Training, Social Research, Fund Raising and Leadership in the Public, Private and Non–Profit Sectors.
Dr. David Ludwig and Dr. Birgit Boogaard (Wageningen University, Department of Knowledge Technology and Innovation) will react to the introduction, followed by a discussion with audience.
Prof. Joost Dessein (Ghent University, Chair of INSPIRA research group) will moderate the seminar.
WHEN: January 9th 10.00am – 12.00pm
VENUE: Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, building A, Room ‘Projectlokaal A1.1’
Free entrance, registration required