Framing Theoretical/Conceptual Frameworks and Research Processes in African Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Everyday Experiences

Abstract

This article shows how indigenous knowledge systems and everyday experiences can be used to scaffold theoretical and analytical frameworks as well as to teach aspects of research processes and procedures in a non-intimidating way. We use everyday African experiences and proverbs to show that production of new knowledge does not have to be in English and associated exogenous culture; rather it will be more expedient and have lifelong impact on students if expressed in familiar language practices and knowledge systems. Eurocentric-based epistemologies and knowledge systems will only have profound meaning in Africa if framed in and expressed through local indigenous knowledge systems. We conclude that there is need for research protocols and theoretical/analytical frameworks to be filtered through African socio-cultural contexts and knowledge systems for comprehensive and culturally-relevant meaning making. This would dispel the current obsession with ritualized research, the mysticism associated with Eurocentric research, and perceptions that only formally-educated people are eligible to do research.

Akonta: Examining the epistemology and ontology of Made in Africa Evaluation

“…The African Indigenous Conceptual Framework (AICF) is one such method considered a tool to examine and critique society, including but not limited to economic and political power (Banda & Banda 2018). African evaluation frameworks are an extension of AICF and have incorporated culture, principles and values in evaluations (Chilisa & Mertens 2021;Cloete 2016).…”

The Africanisation of universities in Africa: Reclamation of humanity and rationality

“…In the third section, on humanity, we argue that Africanisation will lead to the restoration of a colonially-wounded humanity of Africans. Such an envisaged restoration does not render the process as emblematic of reverse racism, as suggested by some scholars (Moulder, 2008;Prinsloo, 2010;Horsthemke, 2008;Matolino & Kwindingwi, 2013;Banda & Banda, 2018), since humanity is a common, unifying factor. Concerning reverse racism, Moulderstates that 'the project of Africanising universities is part of a change in the way in which power and privilege are distributed in our society ' (1988: 3).…”