Challenges and opportunities in the protection and preservation of Indi-genous Knowledge in Africa

Abstract

This paper presents challenges and opportunities in the protection and preservation of Indigenous Know-ledge (IK) in Africa. Specific examples have been taken from the Maasai pastoralists and the Sambaa and Zigua traditional medicine-men of North Eastern Tanzania. The paper argues that there is a threat of IK extinction due to lack of recording and problems associated with preservation and protection of the know-ledge from pirates. Examples on efforts made by Tanzania in IK preservation, including efforts made by Economic and Social Research Foundation in developing IK database and training initiatives at University of Dar es Salaam are discussed. Ethical issues in IK Systems are also discussed with emphasis on returning IK benefits to the owners of the knowledge, and involvement of people in IK researches. Finally, the paper highlights challenges in IK prevention and suggests measures that can be taken to alleviate the challenges. These include among others, developing appropriate IK policies and practices, establishing IK resource centres, training, researching and developing South South IK networks.

Indigenous Knowledge and Africapitalism: An Unexploited Source for Sustainable Development

“…The pastoralist Maasai people of Northern Tanzania, for example, have acquired a lot of knowledge on their environment through their intimate association with the natural grasslands. They are able to describe the palatability of each plant for the different animals they keep, and they know each plants seasonality, nutrition value, toxicity and medicinal properties (Msuya, 2007). Indeed, in 2014, the Chinese herbal medicine industry was worth over 39.7 billion yuan (about US$5.7 billion; Jilin, 2015), having benefited from refined packaging, certification of practice and registration of acknowledged Chinese herbal doctors.…”

“…There is a need for a ‘piecing together of the continent’s experiences… to obtain a fuller picture of traditional education and its teachings of the sciences of Africa’ (Tedla, 1995, p. 127). This is another opportunity for Africapitalism philosophy to ensure that IK is strongly integrated in the World Knowledge System (Msuya, 2007) and to encourage indigenous technological innovations that can be tested and promoted on a global platform as legitimate solutions.…”

Assessment of Government Financing through Commercial Banks on Seaweed Production in Zanzibar

“…Seaweed farming, is an important economic activity in both Unguja and Pemba Islands (Msuya, 2006), [25]. Seaweed farming, has helped to improve the economic conditions of farmers most of them women [26]. In addition, participation of households in seaweed farming has been seen to elevate their status in their villages, create employment opportunities and decrease rural urban migration [25].…”

Decolonization of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in South Africa

“…This infrastructure will continue to undermine efforts to strengthen indigenous knowledge systems and to harm the agenda of decolonization and self-determination, unless it is properly dismantled and accounted for (Simpson, 2004). Msuya (2007) emphasized that indigenous knowledge benefits be returned to knowledge owners and suggests measures that can be taken to alleviate the challenges including developing appropriate indigenous knowledge policies and practices.…”