African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Contemporary Era: A Historical Reflection in Sukuma Land, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examined the Sukuma indigenous knowledge systems, which have for centuries been practiced by the Sukuma people of Tanzania. The study identified the Sukuma indigenous knowledge systems practiced in the contemporary era in Sukumaland. The study used the Transformative Learning Theory as an analytical tool to learn the Sukuma indigenous knowledge systems. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. Data was gathered from Sukuma Custodians of indigenous knowledge systems and Bujora Sukuma Museum Curator through interviews to identify and different Sukuma indigenous knowledge systems. Documentary review sources such as Sukuma history books, journal articles, research papers and online sources were also used to supplement other sources. Findings revealed that Sukuma people still embrace and practice their indigenous knowledge in various aspects of life, such as health, religious beliefs, leadership, environment, numerical and mathematics. Some of the recommendations are that African custodians of indigenous knowledge systems should continue retaining, practicing, valuing and handling over the Sukuma culture to the next generation for the welfare and sustainability of Africans.