Local Knowledge and Disaster Management: Forgotten Wisdom

Local knowledge embedded in the experiences, cultural practices and observations of local surroundings by the communities is developed and passed down over generations. It boosts community endurance and sustainability to withstand natural disasters. Given the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in recent decade, it is essential to integrate technology and local wisdom to combat disaster risks. Amalgamation of local knowledge system with modern technological advancement will go a long way in disaster risk reduction, management and preparedness. This research paper contextualizes local knowledge as a decisive component in disaster management. It stresses on the need for more inclusive and pluralistic approach to the management of disaster. The study employs systematic search of literature on local knowledge and disaster management using platform such as Research Gate, PubMed and Google Scholar. For searching the data, research string like indigenous wisdom, traditional knowledge system, local knowledge system etc., were used. The findings stress on the need to integrate local knowledge with the modern technology to develop community centric disaster management paradigm.