The marginalized knowledge : an informetric analysis of indigenous knowledge publications (1990-2004)

Abstract

The paper analyses and demonstrates the application of informetrics by use of descriptive bibliometrics to determine the status and trend of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) development from 1990 –2002. IK records published during that period have been analyzed by use of eight databases hosted by EBSCOHost and SABINET by document type, by growth of the literature over the period, by source where the document is published, by document affiliation, by subject domain, and by nature of authorship among others. A positive growth of IK is observed with strong representation in AGRICOLA database and recommendations are given for a follow up and further research. It is recognized that the paper could provide useful information for decision support in knowledge management in general and knowledge management in particular.