The Relevance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Local Governance toward Environmental Management for Sustainable Development: A Case of Bulawayo City Council, Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92
Author(s):  
Chiedza Angela Hari
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
City Council ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Sacred Sites ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems ◽  
Set Up

Background: Inspired by Bertalanffy (1954)’s Systems Theory, this study sought to establish the relevance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in local governance. Regardless of the overwhelming research on IKS, less attention has been put on its relevance to m.odern service delivery and seems to have lost its impact in influencing decision making. It was at the centre of this study,, therefore, to establish the relevance of IKS in local governance and establish the interconnectedness among local governance, IKS and environmental management for sustainable development. Predominantly, it focused on how IKS can be utilised as an integral system that contributes to the effective management of natural environment in urban cities, precisely Bulawayo Objective: The study strived towards contributing to the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals within the Zimbabwean context in the best interest of the furtherance of sustainable cities for development with IKS at the centre of it all. Methods: Informed by the ontological interpretivist approach, this study adopted mixed methods of collecting data from 90 randomly selected residents of Bulawayo, three  Environmental Management Agency officers and three Bulawayo City Council employees. Findings: One of the major findings was that IKS is silent in urban areas compared to the rural because of (although not limited to) a) lack of historical and sacred sites, b) ignorance of theexistence of IKS and c) adoption of technology. Referring to how IKS has been effectively utilised in the rural set up, this paper strongly believed that IKS as a system has an important role to play in this development discourse. Conclusions and Recommendations: Research should focus on the applicability of IKS in urban set up especial on its applicability to other environmental management aspects such as pollution and waste management. Implications: There must also be adequate transmission of information using proper channels for affirmation of IKS especially to the young generation and stakeholders should work together for sustainable management of the environment.

scholarly journals Indigenous knowledge, an unexploited source for Sustainable Development: An Opportunity for Africapitalism

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrietta Onwuegbuzie ◽  
Adun okpe ◽  
Eseroghene Orighoyegha
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Management Philosophy ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems ◽  
Socio Economic Development

<p>Sustainable development in developing countries, particularly in Africa, has been of interest among scholars, practitioners and policymakers for decades. There is increased acknowledgment of Indigenous knowledge as an underexploited, yet invaluable source of sustainable development in emerging markets. This paper thus examines the constructs of Africapitalism management philosophy and indigenous knowledge. We examine diverse ways through which Africapitalism can embed indigenous knowledge systems as a key growth driver for sustainable socio-economic development. Finally, we discuss the implications for researchers and policy makers.</p>

scholarly journals Akan Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Christian Faith in Ghana: A Review of the Major Works of Robert Rattray

2021 ◽  
pp. 107-119
Author(s):  
Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
The People ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge System ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems ◽  
Set Up

The Western missionaries’ attitude towards Asante indigenous belief systems created the impression that Christianity was unable to live side by side with Asante indigenous knowledge systems. The missionaries ended up creating tension between the Christian faith and the pre-missionary cultural values. The indigenous knowledge systems that informed the world views of the people were not considered an integral part of the available resources for the shaping of the Asante Christian worldview. The Salem communities, for example, were set up to facilitate the disconnection of the new converts from their cultural past. This study is about the available pre-missionary Asante indigenous knowledge systems that Robert Sutherland Rattray after thorough studies published and made available to facilitate all aspects of the Asante life especially interpretation and transmission of the Christian faith. With a critical examination of the various major works of Robert Rattray and observation of Asante cultural and Christian activities, the study identified some specific areas that the Asante indigenous knowledge systems have lived side by side with the Christian faith. The study concludes with a call for respect, pride and intentional exploration into the indigenous knowledge systems to serve the Asante and other Akan Christian needs. Keywords: Robert Sutherland Rattray, Indigenous Knowledge System, Christian Faith, Asante, Cultural Values.

scholarly journals Evoking the epistemology of climate governance through indigenous knowledge systems for sustainable development in rural Zimbabwe

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shingirai S. Mugambiwa
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Adaptive Methods ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Climate Governance ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems

This article seeks to establish the role of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in climate governance in pursuit of sustainable development in rural Zimbabwe. Rural communities in the developing world suffer the most from the negative effects of climate change. As such, their success in combating the effects of climate change is through establishing culture-specific methods. These methods constitute what I refer to in this article as climate governance through IKS. The impacts of climate change faced by rural communities include water shortages, drought, and floods, to mention a few. Drought is anticipated to bring about adverse consequences to water supply, which negatively affects food production and the environment in its entirety. Hence, this study investigates the methods of IKS water harvesting and other IKS-based adaptation and overall governance methods. The study employed a qualitative method in which participants took part in in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD) and data was analysed through thematic content analysis (TCA) and grounded theory. The study found that the role of spirit mediums and spirituality is essential in IKS climate governance. It also established that one of the most famous forms of climate change adaptation strategies in Mutoko district is IKS-based irrigation. The role of social networks was found to be essential in the sharing of ideas pertaining to irrigation and other adaptive methods of farming. Through the findings of the study, I developed a model that reflects and interprets indigenous-based climate governance structure in Mutoko district.

scholarly journals Use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Crop and Livestock Production and Implication to Social Ecology: A Case Study of Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pindai Sithole
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Local Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Community Food Security ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge Systems ◽  
Indigenous Trees

This study explored the indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in the Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe and how they are used in crop management and grain storage. Also examined were the effects of IKS use on community food security and integrity of the environment. A qualitative interpretative research design was employed through the use of detailed in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with traditional leaders and community elders. The choice for these groups of people was informed by the general belief that they are often regarded in the community as a reservoir of indigenous knowledge systems. Phenomenological underpinnings anchored the study because it was vital to bring to the fore the various related IKS phenomena and links to food security and environmental management in the community. A socio-ecological lens was used to establish links and interrelations of factors that contribute to food security and environmental management. Major findings include that ashes and leaves from some indigenous trees are used to enrich soil quality, preserve food, and treat livestock. In addition, ashes and leaves are applied as organic pesticides for a variety of crops grown in the district. The study established that these local knowledge systems and practices contribute to low farming costs, high crop yields and good environmental management. The indigenous trees used for this purpose are held in high regard and conserved through the practice and enforcement of socio-spiritual prohibitions like taboos. The study concluded that the body of local knowledge firmly rooted in the Chimanimani people’s culture and traditions is relevant to and consistent with the national and global agenda towards strengthening and sustaining community food security and environmental management. Furthermore, the local knowledge systems found in this study have policy implications for environmental management and climate change strategies as well as knowledge management from a socio-ecological perspective.Keywords: indigenous knowledge management systems, environmental management, food security

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