Examines the relationship between participation and indigenous knowledge and the role of the latter in rural development. (Author concludes (p. 314): "As local knowledge is increasingly embraced in the design and execution of such projects, we see the possibility that local peoples might finally cease to be the clients - the objects - of development plans. Their active, willing participation in such projects will result only from their being treated as full, equal partners in the endeavor. Eventually, in fact, the transformation of human relations implicit in the true meaning of the word participation may turn out to be a more important change than the many worthy development projects stultified over the years by their designers' refusal to accord local peoples (and their knowledge) the respect and seriousness that true participation involves."
