Local knowledge is the understanding, skills, and beliefs of people in a specific community about their local environment and social practices, gained through experience and cultural traditions. This knowledge is often based on generations of direct observation and is passed down through families and communities, making it invaluable for addressing local issues and informing decisions. 

• Based on experience:

  It is developed through direct interaction with a specific place and is often practical, adaptive, and tested over time. 

• Culturally embedded:

  Local knowledge is deeply rooted in a community's history, values, and traditions, which can include folklore, institutions, and social practices. 

• Dynamic and evolving:

  It is not static but changes and is revised based on new experiences and environmental shifts. 

• Contrasts with formal knowledge:

  It differs from knowledge gained through formal institutions or specialized scientific research, though the two can be complementary. 

• Empowers communities:

  Recognizing and utilizing local knowledge can empower communities, foster a sense of identity, and lead to more effective and sustainable solutions for local challenges.