Western knowledge and indigenous knowledge are good bedfellows

Western knowledge has been undergoing development over many centuries because it is based on scientific tests and verification. Indigenous knowledge on the other hand is based on trial and error and experience. Western knowledge is developed at universities , colleges and private firms. Indigenous knowledge is transferred orally from generation to generation. Although indigenous knowledge was not developed scientifically it has however sustained indigenous people over many centuries. Western knowledge is documented and everybody who can read and write can access it on his/ her own.. Indigenous knowledge on the other hand is transferred through oral media. This places western knowledge at an advantage over indigenous knowledge because it can be subjected to critical analysis and developed further. Indigenous knowledge on the other hand does not enjoy the same privilege because it is not documented. Western knowledge has been undergoing development in leaps and bounds while indigenous knowledge remained stagnant. However this does not mean that the two knowledge systems cannot work to gather to fill-in gaps that exist in mainstream knowledge.