Reclaiming “Development” Through Indigenity and Indigenous Knowledge

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the possibilities of “Indigenous knowledge” from an anti-colonial stance in the pursuit of “African development”. The learning objective is to utilize a Ghanaian case study of how local cultural knowledge can be helpful in countering imposed or dominant notions of “development” and “social progress”. The chapter considers how Indigenous systems of knowledge are relevant for the promotion of genuine, African-centred development, one that responds to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of peoples of African descent. In fact, we need a critical theoretical lens to imagine and construct viable development options for Africa. By broaching Indigenous and local cultural knowledges and their relevance for African development, local ways of knowing are crucial and relevant to implementing effective social change.