Indigenous Knowledge Systems Research Articles

Co-conserving Indigenous and local knowledge systems with seeds.

Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) holders have deep ecological, horticultural, and practical knowledge of plants, but this knowledge is not routinely considered and supported along with seed collections conserved ex situ. In this opinion, conceived collaboratively by a team of botanists, ecologists, ethnobiologists, and practitioners in biodiversity and ILK systems conservation, we propose seven actions towards the co-conservation of seeds and associated knowledge to overcome obstacles and encourage ex situ conservation institutions to support knowledge holders in multiple ways. Success depends on simultaneous changes in conservation practices, new collaborative relationships, and shifts in policy to share and conserve biocultural diversity. Failure to act will witness the continued erosion of ILK and depreciation of ex situ plant collections.

Indigenous legal expertise, sacred rivers, and hydropower development projects in Third Pole country Nepal

While Indigenous expertise, values and knowledge systems have become a buzzword in academic and policy debates about climate change, sustainable development, and the protection of ecosystems, this research note turns the lens to Indigenous legal expertise used by Indigenous lawyers in Nepal in the defence of Indigenous peoples’ rights regarding the construction of dams and transmission line projects. Drawing on preliminary insights of legal anthropological research in Nepal, the research note intends to add an additional analytical lens to the emerging concept of cultural expertise of Indigenous knowledge embedded in Indigenous human-water-life ontologies.

Plurality, Data, and the Necessity of “Internets”

Today, the internet is often understood as a monolithic entity. This depiction is increasingly inaccurate and needs to be radically re-examined. The pluriverse concept of the internet examines local and international models of community building in interdependent but separated digital contexts. Drawing on Indigenous knowledge systems some articulations of the pluriverse describe a universe of separate, but connected and interdependent worlds, understood with reference to the concept of communities. Unlike today’s internet-based communities, organized in specific siloed venues and forums where users with specific interests rarely face opposition or differences of opinion and where these interests are constantly reinforced by recirculated data and opinions, the pluriverse offers an imaginative frame where we can imagine a series of ‘internets’, made up of localized networks, community-driven social spaces, open source data sharing, and truly collaborative production at a replicable scale. This paper presents an exploration of the potential for pluriversal “internets.”

Things of the sky: Cultural astronomy and onomastic creativity in selected Tshivenḓa poetry

Cultural astronomy remains a vital component of indigenous communities across the world because it represents the preservations of their scientific knowledge. This knowledge consolidates various dimensions of indigenous knowledge systems on navigation, cosmology, religion, time, seasons, ritual, myth, ceremony, law, agriculture, food, economics and social structure. In the consolidation, one notes their concept and perception of objects such as the sun, the moon, the stars, months and seasons expressed in various modes, including poetry. Hence, in this article, eight Tshivenḓa poems were purposely selected for their thematisation of the foregoing objects and provision of the Vhavenḓa’s knowledge production around them. Four poems came from Daniel Malivhadza Ngwana’s Vhakale vha hone, two poems were from Ralson Ramudzuli Matshili’s Zwiala zwa Venḓa, one poem was from Mashuwa Tshindane’s Mutambo wa muhumbulo and one poem was from Ntshavheni Alfred Milubi’s Ipfi ḽa lurere. Relying on the thematic analysis technique, the article shows that, in naming astronomical objects, not only is the Vhavenḓa’s onomastic ingenuity revealed but also their astronomical knowledge. The Vhavenḓa’s notions of onomastics, cosmology, selenology and astronomy can in this regard be viewed as meta-narratives translatable into myth, religion, ritual and philosophy.Contribution: Given the current discourse on the decolonisation and Africanisation of knowledge in South African education, this article might assist the design of pedagogy on Africans’ view of the harmony between the chthonic world and terrestrial life.

The complementary role of indigenous knowledge systems in landslide disaster management in Kanungu District, Uganda

This study aimed to investigate the use and effectiveness of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in managing landslides in Kanungu District, Uganda. The study used the Likert scale and the multivariate probit (MVP) model and found that marginalization was a significant challenge facing local interventions in landslide disaster management. Factors such as farm size, credit availability, social group membership, access to extension services, farming experience, accessibility of weather and climatic information, and perception of climatic changes influenced the adoption of IKS, both positively and negatively. The study concludes that education programs should focus on farmer capacity building to mitigate landslide risks and emphasizes the application of IKS in landslide hazard management.

Ghanaian college teachers’ experiences and perceptions of traditional environmental beliefs and practices: Implications for environmental education

In recent years, there has been a call for the retrieval of indigenous knowledge systems relating to the environment to help provide solutions to current environmental problems. Using phenomenological research design, this study explored Ghanaian college teachers’ experiences and perceptions of indigenous environmental beliefs and practices and how these influence their role as environmental educators. Findings from analysis of interviews conducted indicate that some teachers are influenced by indigenous beliefs and practices that promote environmental sustainability and these influence their pedagogical practices. We recommend that training of teachers should explore their personal values, attitudes and behavior toward the environment and environmental education to promote effective teaching practices.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES: REFLECTIONS ON THE FOLKLORIC FORMS OF TEYYAM AND TOLU BOMMALATA

The inclusion of culture as the fourth dimension of the sustainable development model projected by UCLG (2010) affirmed that heritage, knowledge, creativity, and aesthetics are essential grounds for developing a holistic vision towards sustainability. Folklore as a significant aspect of human cognition, way of life and world view not only demonstrates the complex layers of human existence through generations but also paves the way for a sustainable future through its cultural dimensions, social functions, and ecological lessons. The current research examines how two unrelated folkloric forms from distinct geographic regions emerge as exemplars of sustainable values embedded within the community. Focusing on the ritualistic performance of Teyyam from Kolathunadu and the folk-art form called Tolu Bommalata from Nimmalakunta region, it argues on the inextricable association of indigenous knowledge systems with its natural and cultural landscape thereby demonstrating the case of a sustainable model. A cultic practice prevalent in the cultural region of Kolathunadu, Teyyam advocates a strong association with the tribal culture of the land in terms of its environmental, social, and cultural values. Tolu Bommalata of Nimmalakunta region, renowned for its distinct cultural expression of storytelling and entertainment is a living folk tradition of shadow puppetry that combines the elements of performing as well as visual arts. The research through a qualitative perspective focuses on ethnographic methods backed by the documentation and analysis of the tangible aspects of folklore. Apart from the reflections on the cultural plurality of Indian folklore and crafts, the study reveals its co-existence with the landscape embodying the environmental, social, and cultural values thereby demonstrating a sustainable model in Indian folklore.

Ijegbe and Luse Performances, and the Dialects of Collectivized Tragedy and Ideology among the Ilaje

This essay explores the genres of Biripo, the Ilaje oral performance or folk-poetry, Ijegbe and Luse vis-à-vis the notion of collectivised tragedy and ideology among the people. Few forays have been undertaken into Biripo, but no known research has been carried out Ijegbe, Luse and collectivised tragedy and ideology among the people. The essay adopts Richard Schechner’s performance theory which sees performance as representation of self and advocates the revolutionary departure from the confinement of theatrical enactments to the theatre. The theory is suitable since the concepts of Ijegbe and Luse are performance-centred. The essay employs oral interviews; secondary materials like textbooks, filmic records of already performed Ijegbe and Luse, journal articles and electronic materials for information garnering.
 The essay unfolds the meanings of Ijegbe and Luse as the mother of or home-grown forms of the modern rap art or music. They are the genres of Biripo that are performed as the indigenous form of western dirge or elegy performed for the sole purpose of mourning the loss one’s loved ones. The paper also reveals how practice of collective performance of Luse and Ijegbe epitomises the notion of collectivised or shared tragedy and ideology among the people. Also revealed in the essay is the fact that the two genres are potent agencies of transmission and propagation of indigenous knowledge system. The paper, therefore, recommends the perpetuation of the forms for the continuity of the people and their sense being.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Africa

Traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare delivery across Africa, where access to modern healthcare facilities may be limited. This review article provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in traditional African medicine. Drawing upon a wide range of scholarly sources, ethnographic studies, and indigenous knowledge systems, the review explores the rich diversity of medicinal plants utilized by traditional healers and community members for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. The article examines the botanical diversity, therapeutic properties, preparation methods, and cultural significance of commonly used medicinal plants across different regions of Africa. Additionally, the review discusses the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, sustainable harvesting practices, and the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems. By documenting and promoting the use of medicinal plants in traditional African medicine, this review contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, preservation of cultural heritage, and enhancement of healthcare accessibility and affordability for diverse populations in Africa.

Conservation and economic benefits of medicinal plants: Insights from forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana

Medicinal plants have significant socioeconomic and health benefits, especially in developing countries with high poverty rates and limited health care coverage. However, the continuous utilization of medicinal plants without conservation efforts leads to species scarcity, especially for endangered species. This study, therefore, assessed the economic benefits and conservation status of medicinal plants in the Asukese and Amama Forest Reserves in Ghana. Field visits, structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to survey 172 respondents focusing on their socio-demographic characteristics, medicinal plants used to treat diseases in the communities and plant parts used, preparation and administration of remedies, availability trend of medicinal plants, drivers of loss of medicinal plants, contribution of medicinal plants to gross incomes and conservation strategies. The study identified 143 plant species used to treat 135 ailments and diseases. The mostly highly cited plant family was Fabaceae (15 spp.). On average, medicinal plants contributed 64 % of gross annual income. Income from medicinal plants varied significantly across marital status and primary occupation but was similar across gender, religion, and educational levels. Thirty-three (33) of these plants were perceived to be threatened by over-harvesting, agricultural expansion, mining, logging, and climate change. Consequently, the cultivation of medicinal plants on farms, creation of medicinal plants nurseries, integration of medicinal plants in home gardens, creation of botanic gardens, and indigenous knowledge systems and practices were suggested as strategies for their conservation and sustainability utilization. There is therefore the need for increased conservation efforts to protect medicinal plant species from anthropogenic disturbance and the imminent threat of climate change. This will be critical for biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development in local communities.

Indigenous knowledge systems and drought preparedness in rural Umzingwane in Zimbabwe

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are an essential survival tool for humans since time immemorial and have always been connected to the management of weather related hazards such as drought. However, the advancement in technology and dominant application of the western version of science in rural Africa continues to masks the significance of IKS resulting in the shrinkage of its use. Against this background, the article examines existing indigenous knowledge and the influence they have on the preparedness of vulnerable groups against drought shocks. Further, the study focuses on the perceptions of rural Umzingwane on the application of indigenous knowledge in predicting and responding to drought shocks in contemporary settings. In this context, the Drought Cycle Management Model anchored theoretical arguments on IKS and drought preparedness. The study gathered data using in-depth interviews purposively targeting spirit mediums, traditional leaders, Agriculture Technical and Extension Workers, District Development Coordinator to gain insights on IKS and its relevance in drought preparedness. The study found that IKS informs early detection of drought and response strategies in rural Umzingwane. In predicting drought hazards, communities rely on observing animal behaviour, fruiting of trees and growth of certain species in certain seasons. The study recommends documentation of IKS and the establishment of platforms to disseminate indigenous knowledge to strengthen capacities of the drought exposed to proactively deal with the hazard.

An Indigenous Force of Pentecostalism in Africa: Indigenous Knowledge System Approach to Decolonization

Pentecostalism in Africa has many expressions, types, and shadows contributing to the challenge of categorisations in the movement. There are some forms of Pentecostalism in Africa that resemble the American context in terms of theology and practice. However, the literature review also demonstrates that other forms are uniquely indigenous, meaning, non-American. In this article, the indigenous force of Pentecostalism was studied through the indigenous knowledge system approach. This was done by making links between indigenous Pentecostalism in Africa and the early indigenous forces. The indigenous Pentecostal liturgy characterized by a song, prayer, and sermon was discussed in detail. The article also demonstrated how the indigenisation of the gospel of Jesus Christ within the Pentecostal movement in Africa has made the movement relevant to Africans. The aim was to demonstrate that the indigenous force of Pentecostalism is relevant to the decolonisation of Westernized Christianity. The article proposes the acknowledgement of the indigenous knowledge system in the Pentecostal tradition which is relevant to the decolonization of the religious sphere in the African context. Keywords: Indigenous Force, Indigenous Liturgy, Indigenous Knowledge, Pentecostalism, Decolonization.

Revitalization and Digital Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Development of Indigenous Communities in South Africa

ABSTRACT South Africa has been regarded as one of the African countries with rich in culture and repository of knowledge referred to as indigenous knowledge. This knowledge is a significant resource which could contribute to the sustainability development of rural communities and society at large. Given that this valuable knowledge is irreplaceable, its promotion and protection is critical. Digital preservation has become a popular method for revitalization and safeguarding indigenous knowledge in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine how digital preservation can be used in enhancing long-term access to indigenous knowledge for sustainable development of indigenous communities in South Africa. This study used literature review to investigate strategies being established in South Africa and different parts of the world to revitalize and digitally preserve indigenous knowledge for the benefits of indigenous communities. This study established that indigenous knowledge owners and their communities do not have mechanisms and policy being put in place for effective digital preservation of their indigenous knowledge. The study thus recommends that anticolonial strategies and policy in the protection of indigenous knowledge systems be implemented and be the subject of a real training and awareness raising programme for community members.

Coproducing health research with Indigenous peoples.

The coproduction of health research represents an important advance in the realm of participatory methodologies, which have evolved over the past five decades. This transition to a collaborative approach emphasizes shared control between academic researchers and their partners, fostering a more balanced influence on the research process. This shift not only enhances the quality of the research and the evidence generated, but also increases the likelihood of successful implementation. For Indigenous peoples, coproduced research represents a critical development, enabling a shift from being mere 'subjects' of research to being active controllers of the process-including addressing the extractive and oppressive practices of the past. In this Review, we explore how research coproduction with Indigenous peoples is evolving. An 'Indigenous turn' embraces the concept of shared control while also considering the principles of reciprocity, the incommensurability of Western and Indigenous knowledge systems, divergent ethical standards, strategic and political differences, and the broader impact of processes and outcomes. To illustrate these ideas, we present examples involving New Zealand's Māori communities and offer recommendations for further progress.

Beyond sustainability: Indigenous Knowledge Systems for locally and globally renewing earth relations

This commentary challenges dominant national and global constructions of sustainable development, including conventional emphases on economic growth and human societies. As Indigenous scholars, we advocate for Indigenous communities through encouraging policymakers, practitioners, and educators to recognize Indigenous Knowledge Systems and multiple ways of valuing earth relations as central to more carefully (re)considering context and application of sustainable development while reframing human activities for life’s sake. Written with our Indigenous educator and community member relatives in mind, we also discuss generative environmental pedagogies as a provocation for Indigenous community educators and allies to draw from their own senses of place and experiences to create learning opportunities that are based on regard for the spirit of all beings.

Anticipatory co-governance for human rights to sciences across knowledge systems

ABSTRACT The interface between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems highlights the existence of diverse sciences, each with their own history, contexts and processes for validation, with relevance to the human rights to sciences (HRS). The lens of intersectional universality shows how Indigenous peoples differ in ways that affect the HRS, through: (1) holding unique connections to territories, distinct cultures, worldviews and knowledge systems; (2) experiencing dispossession of their lands, territories and resources leading to great disadvantage in socio-economic status; (3) bearing a disproportionately high impact from colonial scientific practices that breach human rights; and (4) utilising Indigenous governance systems based on customary institutions for decision-making. Human rights law requires that these institutions are consistent with principles of non-discrimination – the universal aspect. From this recognition of difference and sameness, we argue that diligent anticipation of risk needs to be based on recognition and support from states for the institutions that govern Indigenous sciences, redress by relevant scientific organisations for the negative impacts of colonial scientific practices, and capacity-building to overcome inequitable distribution of resources and power. Anticipatory co-governance with Indigenous peoples can empower Indigenous agency, Indigenous perspectives on human rights and provide a fertile ground for future thinking to diligently anticipate risks and benefits of science and scientific progress.

EXPLORING THE PRAXES OF INDIGENOUS AND EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PEASANT FARMERS IN GHANA

The global concern that Africa’s strong economic dependency on climate-related activities makes it vulnerable is troubling as the continent is lagging in embracing scientific techniques for adapting to the changing global environment. However, challenges exist where the application of ‘modern scientific’ knowledge to addressing climate change appears to disregard resilient ‘indigenous knowledge systems.’ This study situates the praxes and experiences of peasant farmers in Ghana to explore the indigenous knowledge systems they use to navigate climate change’s impact on their livelihoods. The study adopts the theoretical framework of Bruchac’s ‘indigenous knowledge theory’ in unpacking the socio-cultural ways peasant farmers in Ghana create unique ways of ‘knowing’ and understanding climate change. Utilising Focus Group Discussion and interviews, the views of peasant farmers on climate change and its impact on their livelihood were explored. The study found that the transferability of indigenous knowledge passed down to participants by their ancestors has shaped their ontological reality of changing climate patterns and its impact on their livelihoods. However, challenges exist in contemporary times in applying this knowledge to their farming practices. The study pushes for synthesising indigenous knowledge systems with modern scientific knowledge systems for institutional and behavioural change regarding climate change in Ghana.

Indigenous Knowledge in Esan Proverbs of Edo State Nigeria

The Esan people are an ethnicity in the Edo state of Nigeria. Their language and culture are a subset of the larger Edo ethnic group in Nigeria. A close study of the Esan indigenous knowledge and culture reveals that the appeal of the Esan folk proverbs is in their eclectic nature because of their portrayal of diverse issues in the Esan cosmology and belief system, ranging from folk art to traditional health care beliefs and practices. This finding suggests that the subject of Esan proverbs deserves some scholarly attention. This article, therefore, examines the nature of Esan proverbs even as they perform their didactic and pedagogical functions in contemporary Esan parlance. By its nature, this study adopted a combination of research approaches, which included content analysis, library searches, and ethnographic methods such as interviews and observations. In the ethnographic study of a specific Nigerian with a focus on its proverbs, this paper’s research light shall beam over the five local government areas (LGAs) populated by the Esan people in the Edo State of Nigeria. Apart from its potential for insightful scholarship, the significance of this study on Esan proverbs also lies in the fact that inquiries into the indigenous knowledge system (IKS) portray folk proverbs as veritable windows into the culture and essence of a people. Indigenous knowledge has much more impact on contemporary society than people know.

Efforts to Enhance Anthropological Insights on Sustainable Practices in Human-Environmental Interactions in Central Java

This study employs a broad multidisciplinary approach to investigate the complex dynamics of human-environment interactions in Central Java. The close relationship between cultural behaviors, like customary ceremonies and indigenous knowledge systems, and the surrounding environment is made evident by ethnographic discoveries. The qualitative tales are supported quantitatively by ecological analyses, such as land use mapping and biodiversity assessments, which underscore the relationship between ecological health and cultural resilience. Workshops and participatory mapping are examples of community engagement activities that provide a forum for co-creating sustainable projects with nearby communities. The robustness of the results is ensured by the triangulation of data sources. The results' synthesis highlights the role that cultural practices have in forming sustainable habits and adds to the growing global conversation about the relationship between culture and ecology.

Decolonizing African science: Efforts, challenges, and future directions

Colonial legacies have deeply shaped Africa's scientific and educational realms, imposing Western knowledge systems while marginalizing indigenous wisdom. The journey of decolonizing African science involves a profound recognition of this historical bias and the endeavor to restore indigenous knowledge to its rightful place. This article explores contemporary efforts, challenges, and future directions within this crucial mission. Contemporary Africa is witnessing a resurgence of interest in its indigenous knowledge systems, spanning agriculture, medicine, environment, and culture. Curriculum reforms are underway, aiming to weave indigenous knowledge into the educational fabric, nurturing cultural relevance. Indigenous knowledge centers have sprung up to systematically study and promote traditional wisdom. Language revival initiatives are bridging linguistic gaps, democratizing access to knowledge. Yet, formidable challenges persist, including limited resources, language barriers, resistance to change, and the hierarchical dominance of Western academia. International collaboration, community engagement, and ethical considerations remain pivotal. As Africa forges ahead in decolonizing its science and education, it paves the way for a harmonious coexistence of diverse knowledge systems, fostering innovation and empowerment.