Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation and Governance: Perspectives from Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

AbstractClimate change represents one of the gravest challenges to sustainability. Reinforcing adaptation measures is beneficial for mitigating its negative effects. Effective adaptation to climate change is knowledge intensive, and benefits from diverse forms of knowledge. Therefore, several climate adaptation approaches are being considered as the world strives to attain the thirteenth sustainable development goal (SDG 13). Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are increasingly gaining policy focus as a viable tool for addressing climate impacts. In this light, this chapter adopts a desktop study based on existing literature to investigate the role of IKS in climate change adaptation and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study shows that IKS enables the production of locally fine-tuned responses vital for climate resilience. Moreover, IKS measures are reinforced when coupled with sustainable natural resource management, and risk-informed development measures. Furthermore, IKS function at a finer spatial and temporal scale compared to classic science, which can help significantly enhance climate change adaptation. Integrating IKS into climate change policies can therefore result in effective adaptation strategies that are cost effective, inclusive and sustainable, thereby facilitating the actualisation of SDG 13.KeywordsAdaptationClimate changeIndigenous knowledge systemsSustainabilitySustainable development goals