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Indigenous Knowledge: What is it? |
Interestingly, there is no standard definition of indigenous knowledge. However, there is a general understanding of what it means. Some people define indigenous knowledge as the local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. Some have defined it simply as “local knowledge”, while others have expressed it as “folk knowledge”, “information base for a society”, “traditional wisdom” or, when it applies to the physical environment, as “traditional ecological knowledge”.
Regardless of the definition, there is a consensus that various communities, cultures and societies have indigenous knowledge systems. We can define it as the “knowledge acquired over generations by communities as they interact with their environment”. It mainly refers to a system of understanding one’s environment in the broadest sense.
Indigenous knowledge is the basis for local-level decision making in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, natural-resource management, and a host of other activities in communities.
| What DLIST users say… “Indigenous cultures often perceive humans and nature as linked.”
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Case Studies
Indigenous peoples have demonstrated through their own use and application of traditional knowledge and their own survival that their knowledge systems are based on sound concepts. It is inspiring to look at concrete case studies that show us how indigenous knowledge is still used with success. The World Bank has put together a large database of indigenous knowledge and practices from around the world that is worth a visit. If you have more case studies, please write to the DLIST Team.
 The !Nara plant and the Topnaars in Namibia
The Topnaar people in Namibia are considered one of the most marginalised and remote peoples in the world. The !nara plant is one of the most important bush foods in the Namib Desert, used by the Topnaars for their nutritional, medicinal and agricultural values. A melon-like fruit that has provided a livelihood to these people for generations, the !nara plant is considered to be the foster mother of these people.
However, the !nara is under threat and the !nara fields have decreased. This case study shows that the destruction of indigenous knowledge is not necessarily always from outside the traditional communities alone but is sometimes attributed to the same indigenous communities we are concerned about.
Rudolf Dausab is the spokesperson and representative of the Topnaar community in the Kuiseb Desert, near Walvis Bay, Namibia. He is also a co-author of a recent book on the desert. Contact him at: rudolfdausab@namibnet.com
Matjieshuis, an old Nama hut
The huts, called haru oms in the Nama language or matjieshuise in Afrikaans, are a dwelling for all seasons. They are cool and well ventilated in the hot summer, and naturally insulated by the rush mats in winter.
In the Richtersveld, they are still used for storage, cooking, as an additional place to sleep, or even to provide accommodation for tourists. As the tradition fades, though, this is one of the few places where we can still find them in significant numbers. In a historical moment, the Namas from both South Africa and Namibia joined forces to build Nama huts so as to ensure that this knowledge is not lost.
Read more about matjieshuise:
http://www.richtersveld.net/index.php/site/article_detail/
matjieshuis_a_true_nama_art/
And see a video on how a matjieshuis is built:
http://www.richtersveld.net/index.php/site/video_detail/building_a_matjieshuis/
 Combining traditional and conventional medicines
The African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) grows in KwaZulu-Natal and has traditionally used for its many medicinal properties. Traditional healers used it to treat cancer, for example. Recognising its medicinal value, the University of Stellenbosch has done research and developed a medicine that enhances the body’s natural defense system. This case study shows how traditional and conventional medicine can complement each other in the fight against diseases.
Read more at:
http://www.worldbank.org/afr/ik/ikpacks/health.htm#hiv4
 Alternative methods for grain storage
People nowadays are sceptical about the use of pesticides for grain storage in silos. Some permaculturalists are suggesting—based on the integration of indigenous knowledge into modern ‘western’ science—that we need to consider using cow dung as an alternative.
Read more in this document.
 Veterinary practices in Tanzania
Farmers in Tanzania make use of traditional veterinary practices for the prevention of diseases. They use medicinal plants and plant preparations, as well as apply strategies such as routing of herds and separation of sick animals.
These practices represent low cost approaches to livestock hygiene and maintenance of healthy stocks, showing that indigenous knowledge can be provide cost-effective solutions.
Read more at http://www.worldbank.org/afr/ik/ikpacks/agriculture.htm.#uhgygyyu
Contact multicho@yako.habari.co.tz
Farming practices in Mozambique
Farmers in Mozambique use ridging techniques whereby they form a continuous lump of elevated earth (soil) mount during cultivation.
Scientists have learnt from these ridging techniques and have further developed them to assist in checking erosion and conserving water. They have been developed into, for example, “tied ridges”, and disseminated to other regions in Africa.
http://www.worldbank.org/afr/ik/ikpacks/agriculture.htm#ng
Contact: wsadomba@africaonline.co.zw
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