Rebuilding trust and embracing diverse knowledge systems: A perspective from developing countries 

Published on November 20th, 2024

In many developing countries, the role of science in policy-making and public life is often argued, undervalued, or sidelined in favour of more immediate, pragmatic approaches. Faced with urgent challenges such as poverty, health crises, food security, and geopolitical issues, governments and communities frequently rely on diverse knowledge systems and prioritise solutions that offer quick, tangible benefits. In these contexts, science is just one of many sources of knowledge, and it is often not the most trusted or influential in shaping policy decisions. As a result, the conventional approaches to promoting trust in science and science’s societal impact need to be rethought from a perspective that acknowledges local realities and values. 

Science in developing countries operates in a complex ecosystem where traditional knowledge, inherited experiences, religious beliefs, political considerations, and socioeconomic pressures intersect. This complexity means that scientific knowledge alone is insufficient to inform policy or guide community decisions. Often, the scientific community in these regions is seen as isolated, focusing on research that has little immediate impact on people's lives or that addresses problems perceived to be abstract and far removed from daily struggles. This disconnect creates a significant trust deficit. The public and policymakers may view science as oriented more toward academic domain or international recognition than local problem-solving.  

To rebuild trust in science in these contexts, a deeper understanding of local policy dynamics is required. Policy decisions in developing countries are often driven by immediate needs, political pressures, and the influence of powerful local actors, including religious and community leaders. In these environments, science must demonstrate its value not through abstract projections or long-term models, but by showing concrete benefits that reflect on local priorities. 

A critical issue is that much of the research conducted in developing countries still follows a model that prioritises academic metrics over societal impact. Scientists are often incentivised to publish in high-impact international journals rather than addressing local challenges or engaging with communities. This approach not only limits the impact of research but also impairs the perception that science is out of touch with local needs. 

To bridge this gap, there needs to be a reorientation of scientific priorities. Research agendas should be co-developed with communities, taking into account their immediate concerns and drawing on their lived experiences. This requires scientists to step outside their traditional roles as detached observers and become active participants in societal development. Initiatives that link scientific research to practical applications—such as water purification projects, renewable energy solutions for rural areas, or low-cost health interventions—can build public trust by showing that science is not just about knowledge for knowledge’s sake, but about improving people’s lives. 

Building trust in science is not simply a matter of better communication or more transparency. It requires genuine engagement, shared ownership of research, and a commitment to local development. This means moving beyond one-way communication models and embracing co-creation as a fundamental principle. Co-creation involves scientists working directly with policymakers, local leaders, and communities to identify research priorities, design projects, and implement solutions. 

Such an approach can be transformative. When local stakeholders are involved from the outset, they are more likely to trust and act on scientific findings because they see themselves as co-producers of the knowledge. Co-created projects in agriculture, public health, and environmental management have already shown that combining scientific and local knowledge can produce solutions that are more sustainable and widely accepted. 

Sense-making in science must be more inclusive and context-sensitive, especially in regions where multiple knowledge systems coexist and interact. Policymakers in developing countries often have to make decisions with limited data, conflicting sources of information, and intense time pressures. In such settings, scientific evidence is weighed alongside political, cultural, and economic considerations, making the process of sense-making far more complex and multifaceted. 

To navigate these complexities, science must be communicated not just as a body of facts but as a tool for structured problem-solving that leads other forms of knowledge. This requires scientists to be not just experts in their fields but also facilitators who can engage with diverse viewpoints and help integrate scientific insights into broader societal dialogues. 

By aligning scientific research with the urgent needs of local communities and fostering genuine partnerships, we can move toward a vision of science that is not only trusted but also transformative. In doing so, science can reclaim its place as a vital force for development, resilience, and equitable progress in the 21st century. 

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