Potential Contribution of IK Towards Achieving the MDGs

Eradicate poverty and hunger

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, farmers used their local knowledge and expertise to increase agricultural productivity and incomes by 60 percent in about five years.

IK Notes 45

Achieve universal primary education

In West Africa, the use of local language as a medium of instruction has helped increase literacy rates among rural populations and provided gainful employment for teachers and young girls.

IK Notes 5

Promote gender equality and empower women

Women are playing an active role as agents of social change throughout Africa. In Senegal, the women of Malicounda empowered themselves to put an end to the local practice of female genital mutilation.

IK Notes 3

Reduce child mortality

Throughout Africa, local communities use traditional child rearing practices to supplement the diet of infants. In Ethiopia, traditional medicine is used to treat common infant diseases.

IK Notes 35
IK Notes 62

Improve maternal health

In Uganda, traditional birth attendants have collaborated with district health centers, using modern ICTs, to help reduce maternal mortality reportedly by over 50 percent in three years.

IK Notes 40

Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

In Tanzania, traditional healer s have successfully treated opportunistic infect ions of over 4,000 AIDS patients, prolonging their lives.

IK Notes 51

Ensure environmental sustainability

Rural communities in Mozambique manage control of forest exploitation along the country’s shoreline through myths and traditional rites, maintaining these resources for the next generations.

IK Notes 46

Build a global partnership for development

A team of IK experts from East Africa visits counterparts in South Asia to develop a partnership for South-South cooperation on IK-related activities.

IK Notes 55