Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) refers to what people know about their natural environment, based primarily on their own experience and observation. LEK is widely seen as important and of potential use in research and development programs related to natural resource management. However, effective methods for exploring, accessing and evaluating LEK are needed, if it is to be integrated into the planning process in an explicit manner. A knowledge-based systems approach is one method developed to enable representation of local knowledge. In this method, qualitative LEK is articulated by local people and represented using computer technology. This is based on earlier studies and conclusions that the majority of articulated knowledge can be broken down into unitary statements that can then be represented on a computer using a formal grammar and a local taxonomy of terms. Such represented knowledge can then be subjected to synthesis and evaluation in an objective and unbiased manner.

For more information, visit this link:
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/af2/akt5