Binarism as a Recipe for Lukewarm Research into Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The thesis of this chapter is that there is need for vigorous and robust research into Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Zimbabwe. It argues that such research is afflicted by binarism, an affliction that permeates the Zimbabwean academic psyche. It notes that the major stumbling block to meaningful research emanates from the effects of western forms of epistemology that have affected some Zimbabwean scholars who have come to believe that all good science comes from the west. The researcher further argues that what makes the Zimbabwean situation so gloomy is the fact that the country does not have an IKS policy, but a science, technology and innovation policy that makes reference to IKS in passing. It is this lack of commitment, the paper further asserts, that afflicts academia because there are areas where government is expected to take a lead, but in the case of Zimbabwe, this leadership is lacking.

The Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Rural Smallholder Farmers’ Response to Climate Change: Case Study of Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa

“…The findings of Charles et al (2014) are somewhat different regarding farmers’ observations of rainfall variations. This supports Mapara’s (2009) statement that some indigenous climate indicators are area specific.…”

“…Rural smallholder farmers have been relying on their indigenous knowledge (IK) to sustain themselves and maintain their cultural identity (Charles et al 2014). Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) refer to cultural, traditional and local knowledge that is unique to a specific society or culture (Mapara, 2009). Since time immemorial, indigenous knowledge has formed the backbone of rural livelihoods.…”

“…Indigenous knowledge systems are based on skills and practices used by local communities to predict events or situations (Elia et al, 2014; Jiri et al, 2015; Mapara, 2009; Risiro et al, 2012). Smallholder farmers have always had indigenous ways of using nature for predicting and interpreting weather.…”

“…These indicators involve the observation of animal behaviour, human ailments and atmospheric conditions, and include worms, wild fruits, birds, plants, clouds and the moon, as well as wind direction (Elia et al, 2014; Jiri et al, 2015; Kipkorir et al, 2012; Risiro et al, 2012; Zuma-Netshiukhwi et al, 2013). The indigenous climate indicators used by smallholders are mainly local and well understood in specific areas (Mapara, 2009). IK follows beliefs, processes and specific language which the local weather and climate is predicted, assessed and interpreted by the locals, implying that IK on weather and climate are qualitative (Soropa et al, 2015).…”

Local Ecological Knowledge on Climate Change and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Strategies Promote Resilience in the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve, Zimbabwe

“…Traditional knowledge is derived from indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs), the designation that is used to refer to the modus operandi and processes that the indigenous peoples use to harness local knowledge [ 7 ]. Local/traditional/indigenous traditional knowledge is defined as the intellectual behavior and beliefs of indigenous societies or local information about the relationship of living beings (including humans) with one another and with their environment [ 8 ].…”