Indigenous Knowledge Systems Research Articles

African historiography: Reflections on rewriting the continent's past

African historiography has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from early external narratives shaped by colonial perspectives to contemporary endeavours that seek to reclaim agency in defining the continent's rich and diverse history. This abstract explores the trajectory of African historiography, emphasizing the shifts in methodologies, perspectives, and objectives that have characterized the quest to rewrite the continent's past. Historically, Africa's narrative was predominantly framed by external observers, often influenced by colonial biases and Eurocentric viewpoints. However, over the decades, a vibrant and dynamic field of African historiography has emerged, driven by scholars and intellectuals committed to unveiling authentic African histories. Central to this transformation is the interrogation of oral traditions, archaeological findings, and indigenous knowledge systems, providing a nuanced understanding of the continent's pre-colonial cultures, societies, and achievements. The post-colonial era witnessed a surge in efforts to reclaim Africa's historical narrative from the shadows of distortion and omission. Scholars engaged in the reinterpretation of historical events, challenging prevailing stereotypes and presenting alternative perspectives on key epochs such as ancient civilizations, trans-Saharan trade routes, and pre-colonial political systems. This new wave of historiography has empowered Africans to assert control over their own narratives, fostering a sense of pride and identity rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the past. Moreover, the emergence of diverse theoretical frameworks, such as Afrocentrism and postcolonial theory, has enriched African historiography by providing analytical tools to deconstruct colonial legacies and explore the interconnectedness of African societies. This article also delves into the ongoing debates within the field, including discussions on the integration of oral histories, the role of African diaspora studies, and the challenges posed by limited archival resources.

Islamic Scientific Critical Consciousness as a theoretical framework for Muslim science educators

The suppression of Indigenous knowledge systems that accompanied the colonisation of Muslim lands from North Africa to the Asia-Pacific dismantled the Islamic science tradition, replacing it with a Western oppressive monoculture of secularised ‘modern’ science. Within this context, this article presents a theoretical framework for Muslim science educators, called Islamic Scientific Critical Consciousness. This framework aims to nurture Muslim students to develop the capacity to reinvigorate the Islamic science tradition by taking the positive elements of both the tradition and those of modern science. This entails the need for Muslim students to develop the critical consciousness to recognise colonial ideology being taught as ‘objective’ knowledge and the confidence and ethical orientation to pursue scientific research in harmony with an all-encompassing Islamic world view. This framework builds on Maldonado-Torres’s framework of decoloniality by adapting it to consider the sources of oppressive ideologies from an Islamic perspective in the monocultural school science classroom. The learning outcomes for this Islamic decolonial approach are then developed by integrating Paolo Freire’s idea of critical consciousness with Muhammad Iqbal’s idea of Khudi (selfhood). After building the theoretical framework, suggestions are made on how modern science education can be rethought in both multifaith and Islamic faith-based school settings.

Meeting the Challenges of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through Holistic Systems Thinking and Applied Geospatial Ethics

The halfway point for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was marked in 2023, as set forth in the 2030 Agenda. Geospatial technologies have proven indispensable in assessing and tracking fundamental components of each of the 17 SDGs, including climatological and ecological trends, and changes and humanitarian crises and socio-economic impacts. However, gaps remain in the capacity for geospatial and related digital technologies, like AI, to provide a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the complex and multi-factorial challenges delineated in the SDGs. Lack of progress toward these goals, and the immense implementation challenges that remain, call for inclusive and holistic approaches, coupled with transformative uses of digital technologies. This paper reviews transdisciplinary, holistic, and participatory approaches to address gaps in ethics and diversity in geospatial and related technologies and to meet the pressing need for bottom-up, community-driven initiatives. Small-scale, community-based initiatives are known to have a systemic and aggregate effect toward macro-economic and global environmental goals. Cybernetic systems thinking approaches are the conceptual framework investigated in this study, as these approaches suggest that a decentralized, polycentric system—for example, each community acting as one node in a larger, global system—has the resilience and capacity to create and sustain positive change, even if it is counter to top-down decisions and mechanisms. Thus, this paper will discuss how holistic systems thinking—societal, political, environmental, and economic choices considered in an interrelated context—may be central to building true resilience to climate change and creating sustainable development pathways. Traditional and Indigenous knowledge (IK) systems around the world hold holistic awareness of human-ecological interactions—practicable, reciprocal relationships developed over time as a cultural approach. This cultural holistic approach is also known as Systemic Literacy, which considers how systems function beyond “mechanical” aspects and include political, philosophical, psychological, emotional, relational, anthropological, and ecological dimensions. When Indigenous-led, these dimensions can be unified into participatory, community-centered conservation practices that support long-term human and environmental well-being. There is a growing recognition of the criticality of Indigenous leadership in sustainability practices, as well as that partnerships with Indigenous peoples and weaving knowledge systems, as a missing link to approaching global ecological crises. This review investigates the inequality in technological systems—the “digital divide” that further inhibits participation by communities and groups that retain knowledge of “place” and may offer the most transformative solutions. Following the review and synthesis, this study presents cybernetics as a bridge of understanding to Indigenous systems thinking. As non-Indigenous scholars, we hope that this study serves to foster informed, productive, and respectful dialogues so that the strength of diverse knowledges might offer whole-systems approaches to decision making that tackle wicked problems. Lastly, we discuss use cases of community-based processes and co-developed geospatial technologies, along with ethical considerations, as avenues toward enhancing equity and making advances in democratizing and decolonizing technology.

In a Good Way: Braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems to Understand and Restore Freshwater Systems

Insights from Indigenous and Western ways of knowing can improve how we understand, manage, and restore complex freshwater social–ecological systems. While many frameworks exist, specific methods to guide researchers and practitioners in bringing Indigenous and Western knowledge systems together in a ‘good way’ are harder to find. A scoping review of academic and grey literature yielded 138 sources, from which data were extracted using two novel frameworks. The EAUX (Equity, Access, Usability, and eXchange) framework, with a water-themed acronym, summarizes important principles when braiding knowledge systems. These principles demonstrate the importance of recognizing Indigenous collaborators as equal partners, honouring data sovereignty, centring Indigenous benefits, and prioritizing relationships. The A-to-A (Axiology and Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology, Data Gathering, Analysis and Synthesis, and Application) framework organizes methods for braiding knowledge systems at different stages of a project. Methods are also presented using themes: open your mind to different values and worldviews; prioritize relationships with collaborators (human and other-than-human); recognize that different ways of regarding the natural world are valid; and remember that each Indigenous partner is unique. Appropriate principles and practices are context-dependent, so collaborators must listen carefully and with an open mind to identify braiding methods that are best for the project.

Cultural Diversity & Policy Making: India’s G-20 Presidency.

India's policy, diplomacy, and international outreach endeavours are shaped by its cultural diversity and richness, which presents the nation's distinct identity to the globe. The main issues covered in a number of topics are summarized in this abstract, including cultural diplomacy, policies influenced by diversity, India's soft power potential, and methods for promoting Indian culture internationally. India has the potential to be a soft power due to its rich cultural legacy, dynamic democracy, and long history. India has demonstrated its power to affect global agendas and perceptions through cultural, diplomatic, and economic methods through projects such as its presidency of the G-20. India promotes its ideals of inclusion, tolerance, and respect for all people by utilizing its rich cultural legacy to build international collaboration and ties. India's foreign policy is based on cultural diplomacy, which allows the nation to present its rich history and customs to the world. India facilitates intercultural discourse, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and advances a more comprehensive comprehension of its multifaceted cultural mosaic through the organization of cultural exchanges, festivals, and exhibitions. India connects with global audiences through cultural centers, educational exchange programs, and internet outreach to promote awareness and recognition of its cultural richness. India's diverse culture has an impact on policy in a number of areas, including social welfare, language, education, and healthcare. India undertakes programs to protect minority rights, encourage linguistic variety, and incorporate indigenous knowledge systems into governance and development strategies because it understands the value of protecting and developing cultural heritage. India keeps its promise to social justice and inclusivity by tackling socioeconomic inequalities and empowering neglected populations. There are many different ways to promote Indian culture internationally, ranging from digital outreach and cultural diplomacy to supporting the cultural industries and encouraging tourism. India uses its cultural resources to draw visitors, present its artistic creations, and promote cross-cultural exchange via international cultural institutions, festivals, and exhibitions. India's attempts to promote its unique cultural history are strengthened when it collaborates with international organizations, educational institutions, and diaspora populations. This increases global appreciation and recognition of India's cultural outreach. In summary, India's cultural diversity and richness are important advantages that help to shape its foreign ties and global identity. India bolsters its soft power and promotes more understanding, collaboration, and harmony in an increasingly interconnected globe by embracing its cultural history, fostering cultural exchange, and interacting with global audiences.

Abstract 1005: A three-decade-long community-based participatory research among India and Bhutan’s ethnic minorities led to the discovery of 32 unique medicinal plants having anti-cancer properties

Abstract The country of Bhutan, and India’s Northeast is an economically deprived region inhabited by diverse groups of indigenous and underserved communities. They live in mostly rural areas, where cancer disparity is very high. On the other hand, they have rich traditional knowledge systems including tantra philosophies (remnant of the Vedic age philosophy), herbal medicinal practice, and spiritual practices that can be traced back to India’s Vedic age. To harness this traditional knowledge to reduce cancer disparity, we have taken an indigenous knowledge system (IKS) based approach (1) and initiated a community-based participatory research (CBPR) program in 1998 to conduct public health research in tuberculosis and cancer (2,3). Using this CBPR program, we have unraveled a Vedic age philosophy of Vedic Jiva Upkara Cikitsha Tantra (Vedic altruism-based medicinal system) (2,3). Specially, using the CBPR program we seek to identify novel herbal medicinal agents having anti-cancer activities. Methodologies: We used the CBPR methodologies of focused group discussion (FGD), debate, and community social work with various indigenous communities living in the Sualkuchi-Hajo cultural complex of Assam, Roing of Arunachal Pradesh, and Mongar of Bhutan. Since 1994, BD has conducted CBPR through the KaviKrishna Telemedicine Care. We have retrospectively analyzed the data of FGD, and suppositional reasoning (tarka) with the community healers, various Hindu, and Buddhist ethnic spiritual organizations of the region. Thematic analysis and the grounded theory method were applied to organize the data. The resulting database of herbal medicinal plants was searched in the scientific database to find the scientific names. Out of the 36 medicinal plants, we have prepared herbal extracts of 10 medicinal plants and then tested for their anti-cancer efficacy at the KaviKrishna Laboratory. Results: We have found the names of 32 plants used by the indigenous healers practicing the Vedic Jiva Upakara Cikitsha Tantra. We also found that these healers used curd-made whey protein concentrate, special soil, and fecal extracts to treat cancer (3). Our CBPR process also led to the research capacity building in the Sualkuchi-Hajo community. Conclusion: The study unraveled a unique cancer-care-related philosophy of Vedic Altruism. Our work indicates that IKS-based CBPR can equitably involve researchers and community members to develop a partnership for the process of knowledge emergence. We found that CBPR-based research takes new meaning because of the unique perspectives that inform the ways that research studies take shape for knowledge emergence.

Indigenous Shamanic Worldviews as Eco-cosmologies and Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Sustainability

Abstract This article discusses shamanic worldviews theoretically and empirically based on the author’s long-term comparative studies in rural regions of Odisha, India. It deals with local eco-cosmological worldviews expressed in trance traditions, interpreted by the author as expressions of contemporary shamanic worldviews and an indication of ways of transmission of indigenous knowledge. In this sense the comparative examples of shamanic traditions of nag bacca (snake children) and alekh gurumai (ritual specialists) in Odisha are examples of transformative healing through trance rituals based both on concepts of holy craziness and sacred play (baaya/kheelo) and on spirit possession rituals (boil), widely spread in cultures of orality. In shamanic worldviews, therianthropic transformations of animal human and ecological encounters are transmitted in a rich culture of orality expressed in songs, performances, and trance dances. In this indigenous knowledge transmission, visions and dreams are the most important expressions of shamanic imaginaries, realities, epistemologies, and ontologies, revealing imagined, dreamt, and lived experiences of local shamanic societies. In this way, the visual mental imagery experiences construe the inner and outer knowledge of shamanic life worlds and worldviews.

Understanding Suicide from an Indigenous Cultural Lens: Insights from Elders in Canada.

In this study, Indigenous Elders in Canada were interviewed to explore their conceptualizations of death and dying, particularly in relation to suicide. Through reflexive thematic analysis, three key themes were developed: Indigenous conceptions of death and dying, Christian influences on views of suicide, and indirect suicide. The theme of Indigenous conceptualizations of death and dying included the subthemes of spirituality and life after death, highlighting the importance of spiritual beliefs in Indigenous culture and knowledge systems. The impact of Christian influences on views of suicide was also explored, with participants discussing the complex nature of the relationship between Christianity and Indigenous peoples. Finally, the theme of indirect suicide was analyzed, referring to deaths resulting from behaviors that do not necessarily fit within the conventional definition of suicide. Overall, this study highlights the importance of honoring Indigenous cultural knowledge in research related to suicide prevention in Indigenous communities.

Small Scale Subsistence Farming in Nalbari District of Assam, India and the Scope of Sustainable Development of the Households

Land is the free gift of nature to man for the sustenance of life and sustainable use of land resources is an inevitable choice for sustainable development. Maintaining productive land and healthy soils to ensure food security, sustainable development and restoration of degraded land is essential for the future of mankind. Small-scale farming does not require a large amount of land and this aspect enables the development of various crops and livestock in the neighbourhood. In the present study, Nalbari district of Assam, India has been taken and most of the inhabitants of case study villages in Nalbari district make their income from small-scale farming. Diversified uses of available land is one of the significant strategy adopted by households to remain sustained in their natural and human environment in the district. The sustainable use of land resource in the study area is based on indigenous knowledge systems. To compare various indicators generated from the primary survey of this study, standardization is required and Z-transformation method is used for standardizing indicators. Level of economic sustainability is high in Paramankhow, Mohina village (0.1 and above), medium in Haribhanga, Sataibari, No.1 larkuchi village (-0.25 to 0.1) and low in Tilana, Deharkatara, Paila, kachimpur, Suplekuchi, Sandheli, Barajal, Uttarkuchi, Barkuriha, Bajaliudaypur, Kalardia, Loharkatha, Chamata, Mohkhuli, Dahudi village (Less than -0.25). Based on composite Z score value, level of environmental sustainability is not high in the case study villages in Nalbari district. The type of soils and abundant rainfall are blessing for the commercial cultivation of different subtropical fruit crops such as Banana, Assam lemon, Mandarin orange, Coconut, Areca nut, Jackfruit, Papaya, Litchi, along with spice crops like Ginger, Turmeric, Chilli, Black pepper etc. in the district. The agriculture in entire district is organic by default, due to low use of agro chemicals in field and horticultural crops.

Unsold and Indivisible

Two poems, "Unsold" and "Indivisible". Jess H̓áust̓i is interested in how poetry as a form and the natural world as a space of images and relationships can give shape to human identity and experience. They explore this through storytelling practices that bridge Indigenous feminism, kincentric ecology, and the links between body sovereignty and land sovereignty. Jess thrives in the belief that place-based identities and Indigenous knowledge systems ground us in embodied ancestral wisdom and connectedness that empower us to steward and defend our motherlands with the same love and care we would employ in tending to a loved one; this belief is core to their practice of writing and organizing.

Toward response-able AI: A decolonial perspective to AI-enabled accounting systems in Africa

This research draws from decolonial, and feminist Science and Technologies Studies approaches to explore the power dynamics of accounting knowledge systems in African contexts. It investigates traditional African indigenous accounting systems, then focuses on the current accounting systems used on the continent and future accounting possibilities presented by AI. We argue that while current accounting systems used in Africa are dominantly Western-centric, AI may reproduce and amplify this structural and systemic power dominance, which has further socio-material consequences on the continent. In trying to mitigate these effects, we propose response-ability in the conceptualization, design, and adoption of AI accounting systems. Fundamentally, we aim to open a discussion for rethinking how these systems can address social issues in alternative worlds and consider alternative and indigenous knowledge systems in African contexts. Toward this end, we seek to open conversations on how accounting AI applications can be designed and adopted in ways that reflect and promote the fundamental principles of objectivity, transparency, accountability, and trustworthiness as embedded locally in African community life and values.

The Exclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Planning Open Spaces in Namibia: The Case of Havana, Windhoek

The lack of accessible and valuable public open spaces for socio-cultural activities is a concern in low-income urban areas. Through an indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) lens, we explored indigenous cultural open spaces (the olupale and omuvanda) of two communities in Namibia and their relevance to urban areas. This qualitative study included interviews, informal discussions, sharing circles (focus groups) storytelling, and participatory observation with the two rural communities. In the Havana low-income area in Windhoek, observations, semi-formal interviews and discussions were used. The study found, on the one hand, that planning practices excluded marginalised urban communities due to reliance on a single modernist rational problem-solving process. On the other hand, and through an indigenous knowledge paradigm, aspects such as community respect, well-being, cooperation, environmental respect, and care being taught, lived, and experienced at cultural open spaces, were mostly excluded. Planning in Windhoek overlooked these vital well-being components, to the detriment of the communities. Existing spatial IKS could help planning in addressing the well-being of low-income residential areas and their residents. This paper is therefore foregrounding IKS in planning and argues that such IKS integration will facilitate the improvement of diverse forms of living spaces, including poor and low-income spaces in urban areas.

Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems-based climate services in anticipatory action in Zimbabwe: an ex-ante assessment

IntroductionThe success of anticipatory action (AA) in climate change related disaster risk reduction depends largely on the ability to accurately predict adverse weather events and to subsequently take appropriate and timely action. The current seasonal climate forecasts obtained through national and global forecasting centers such as the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have been found to have several limitations including limited skill in intra-seasonal variability which is vital in most processes, lack of accessibility, difficult interpretability and applicability to local communities. As a result, calls for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)-based climate services in seasonal climate forecasting to bolster the efficacy and accuracy of forecasts are increasing.MethodologyThe study employed a mixed methods approach combining a survey of 200 household heads, document reviews and key informant interviews with IKS specialists, AA community of practice members and disaster risk reduction specialists.ResultsThis article presents the findings of a study carried out in four semi-arid districts of Zimbabwe (Mbire, Matobo, Binga, and Mudzi) to assess the feasibility of integrating IKS into the drought AA mechanism at national, district, and ward level. We find that 82% of the surveyed households used indigenous knowledge systems for seasonal climate forecasting and extreme weather forecasting combined with scientific forecasts. Respondents demonstrated preference for triangulated forecasting to increase reliability. Both the meteorological approaches to seasonal climate forecasting and the IKS based forecasting had different strengths and weaknesses.DiscussionBased on the found gaps in current seasonal forecasting techniques, local applicability, and limited quantitative analysis in IKS, this study provides a guideline on how scientific and IKS forecasting can be triangulated for leveraging forecasting information in Zimbabwe. The use of IKS may be of utmost relevance to agencies and entities seeking the achievement of drought risk reduction through AA programmes.

Incorporating First Nations, Inuit and Métis Traditional Healing Spaces within a Hospital Context: A Place-Based Study of Three Unique Spaces within Canada's Oldest and Largest Mental Health Hospital.

Globally and historically, Indigenous healthcare is efficacious, being rooted in Traditional Healing (TH) practices derived from cosmology and place-based knowledge and practiced on the land. Across Turtle Island, processes of environmental dispossession and colonial oppression have replaced TH practices with a colonial, hospital-based system found to cause added harm to Indigenous Peoples. Growing Indigenous health inequities are compounded by a mental health crisis, which begs reform of healthcare institutions. The implementation of Indigenous knowledge systems in hospital environments has been validated as a critical source of healing for Indigenous patients and communities, prompting many hospitals in Canada to create Traditional Healing Spaces (THSs). After ten years, however, there has been no evaluation of the effectiveness of THSs in Canadian hospitals in supporting healing among Indigenous Peoples. In this paper, our team describes THSs within the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada's oldest and largest mental health hospital. Analyses of 22 interviews with hospital staff and physicians describe CAMH's THSs, including what they look like, how they are used, and by whom. The results emphasize the importance of designating spaces with and for Indigenous patients, and they highlight the wholistic benefits of land-based treatment for both clients and staff alike. Transforming hospital spaces by implementing and valuing Indigenous knowledge sparks curiosity, increases education, affirms the efficacy of traditional healing treatments as a standard of care, and enhances the capacity of leaders to support reconciliation efforts.

Assessing and mapping water-energy-food nexus smart innovations and practices in Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Water, energy, and food and their interactions (commonly referred to as the WEF nexus) are critical pillars to resolving the intractable global challenges such as poverty, hunger, malnutrition, poor sanitation, climate, and health crises. The nexus approach, practices, and innovations at the household level are critical determinants of whether resource use efficiency, co-benefits, basic rights to water and food, and sustainability governance are attained. In particular, smart WEF innovations can contribute to the current generations' economic, social, and environmental needs without compromising the needs of the future generation. The study aimed to identify smart innovations, practices, and factors influencing their adoption to inform policy and decision-making processes. The study intends to support scaling up the adoption of innovations and practices that enhance sustainability and resource security in support of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews (KII) supplemented with observational checklists were used to identify the WEF nexus smart technologies, innovations, and practices in Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were collected from a sample size of 128 households in the study area. Our findings revealed synergistic smart innovation practices across WEF resource use and management practices. Though indigenous knowledge (IK) practices were widely evident in the study area, non-existent WEF smart knowledge support systems existed in the study area. Indigenous knowledge practices were the most elicited innovation by 99.2% of households, suggesting it is critical to advancing WEF smart innovations and practices and needs to be integrated into any policy and governance interventions. A proportion of households recycle water (27%), whilst 53% use untreated water. Furthermore, the knowledge systems on smart WEF innovations were fragmented despite their potential to synergize sustainability objectives. Exploring innovation platforms (IPs) as vehicles for dissemination, innovation, and extension and advisory service delivery, as well as validation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), has the potential to contribute to the diffusion, uptake, and scaling of existing innovation and practices with significant spill-over effects on WEF resource security and sustainability outcomes both at local and extra local scales.

Adaptation through knowledge coexistence: insights for environmental and sea lamprey stewardship

ABSTRACT Strategies for tackling environmental issues, including the consequences of invasive species and corresponding control efforts, are frequently approached through a Western scientific lens that often overlooks Indigenous rights and Indigenous knowledge systems. This can cause numerous issues from costly delays in implementing control programmes, overlooking vital ecosystem information and alternative options, legal action due to infringement on rights, and perpetuating systems of oppression. This research uses social science and Indigenous methodologies to understand the Denny’s Dam rehabilitation (DDR) as a case study for relationship-building and knowledge coexistence between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission in controlling sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), an invasive species in the Laurentian Great Lakes. To evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the project, virtual semi-structured interviews (n = 14) were conducted with key decision-makers and others involved in the rehabilitation of Denny’s Dam, a sea lamprey barrier. Analysis of these interviews identify four main factors that were crucial in the success of the DDR partnership: meaningful communication, funding and capacity, going beyond duty to consult requirements, and early engagement. The DDR shows how knowledge coexistence approaches, including Two-Eyed Seeing, can lead to equitable decision-making, foster collaboration, and contribute to addressing challenges like climate change, invasive species, and various environmental degradation.

Ethnoecology and Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture

Ethnoecology, the study of how different cultures perceive and interact with their environments, plays a critical role in understanding climate change adaptation in agriculture. This article explores the relationship between ethnoecology and climate change adaptation strategies employed in agricultural practices. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study conducts an extensive review of literature and library research to examine the intersection of ethnoecology and climate change adaptation in agricultural contexts. Through the synthesis of existing literature, the article identifies various indigenous knowledge systems, traditional agricultural practices, and local adaptations that communities have developed over generations to cope with changing climatic conditions. Additionally, the study analyzes the effectiveness and limitations of ethnoecological approaches in enhancing agricultural resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific research and modern technologies to develop holistic and context-specific adaptation strategies. The findings underscore the significance of ethnoecology as a valuable source of knowledge for informing climate change adaptation policies and practices in agriculture. By recognizing and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into adaptation initiatives, stakeholders can enhance the resilience of agricultural systems and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities vulnerable to climate change. This study contributes to advancing understanding of the role of ethnoecology in climate change adaptation and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex environmental challenges.

Exploring relationality in African knowledge systems as a contribution to decoloniality in sustainability science

ABSTRACT The current solutions offered by Western sustainability science to address prevailing global environmental destruction and social injustice are still largely embedded in the Western knowledge system established by colonisation, limiting the efficacy of these solutions for a large part of the planet. Conversely, it may be reasonable to imagine that the concept of relationality is beneficial in all cultures and knowledge systems. Relationality, elementally referring to a web of relationships, as considered from an African Indigenous and local knowledge perspective, could play an important role in decolonising Western sustainability science. Two valuable approaches, namely ubuntu (humanness) and ukama (relatedness), as predominantly observed in southern Africa, are essentially immersed in human-nature relationality. This type of relationality considers everything as interconnected, and therefore that nothing happens in isolation, and that the well-being of humans is inextricable from the well-being of nature. The way relationality is approached in African Indigenous knowledge systems is inclusive, holistic and perpetual, broadening its usefulness to a large audience, making it a sensible contributor to decoloniality in sustainability science. A collective knowledge could emerge, including cooperative, multidirectional interactions with different types of information from diverse human and non-human sources, increasingly eradicating the relational divide among knowledge systems caused by persistent colonial discourse and attitudes.

A Comprehensive Review of Climatic Threats and Adaptation of Marine Biodiversity

Oceans play a vital role in socioeconomic and environmental development by supporting activities such as tourism, recreation, and food provision while providing important ecosystem services. However, concerns have been raised about the threat that climate change poses to the functions of oceans. This study examines the impacts, threats, and adaptation strategies of climate change and marine biodiversity. Using bibliometric and secondary data analysis, this study determines that climate change leads to rising sea temperatures, marine heatwaves, acidification, and increasing sea levels. These factors undermine the significance of ocean ecosystem services. This study also identifies the significant risks posed by climate change to marine species diversity and distribution, primarily through habitat degradation and shifts in species ranges. Scholarly focus on these challenges has grown over time, focusing on adaptation strategies and building resilience to mitigate adverse impacts. This study critically evaluates various adaptation measures, including nature-based and human-based solutions such as habitat restoration, policy and legislative frameworks, and their potential to protect marine ecosystems. It provides detailed discussions on the effectiveness of adaptation strategies such as marine protected areas (MPAs), mangrove and coral reef restoration, and species range shifts. This review also emphasises the significance of indigenous knowledge systems and community participation in marine conservation efforts to achieve holistic and sustainable management. It highlights the need for enhanced international cooperation and a transdisciplinary approach to address the complex interplay between climate change and marine biodiversity. Additionally, this study suggests that funding for research gaps and conservation can be secured through tourism revenue and other climate funding mechanisms.

Reimagining STEM Education in South Africa: Leveraging Indigenous Knowledge Systems Through the M-Know Model for Curriculum Enhancement

This conceptual paper investigates the integration of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) into South African Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, exploring its conceptions, historical roots, significance, and the challenges and benefits associated with such integration. The objective was to understand the role of IKS in enriching STEM education and its potential contributions to global scientific knowledge. A culturally sensitive research approach was employed, with criteria set for selecting relevant literature on IKS and STEM. The results highlighted the profound historical significance of IKS in South Africa and its potential in bridging cultural gaps in education. Pedagogical innovations rooted in indigenous practices were identified as key to revitalising the STEM learning experience. However, challenges such as educational barriers, policy constraints, and institutional norms were also noted. Thus, the Multiple-ways of knowing (M-Know) model is proposed to demonstrate the possibility of using an integrated approach for the inclusion of IKS and enhancement of the STEM higher education school curriculum in South Africa. The model negotiates for a synergic or integrated arrangement between formal STEM curriculum and IKS in terms of using IKS to interrogate, complement, and consolidate the contents and pedagogy of Westernised STEM education in higher education.