Digitisation of Indigenous Knowledge for Natural Resources Management in Africa
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Date
2013
Authors
Akinwale, A.A
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Abstract
This paper examines digitisation of indigenous knowledge as a critical resource for the promotion of effective management of natural resources in Africa. The paper is based on content analysis of primary and secondary data. The primary data were obtained from 12 in-depth interviews conducted among stakeholders in the Nigerian cultural industries while the secondary data were obtained from relevant documents through an electronic search of databases. The paper is grounded in the Theory of Diffusion of Innovations and Afrikology with a focus on the need to intensify the preservation and propagation of African indigenous knowledge for natural resources management. The findings reveal several opportunities and challenges in attempts to promote African approaches to natural resources management since the advent of the digital revolution. Africans’ experience of digital revolution is discussed with reference to success stories of digitisation of indigenous knowledge systems. Discussions suggest the need for concerted interest in digitisation of African indigenous knowledge to intensify efforts geared towards natural resources management. Such digitisation should be launched in all virtual communities and educational systems; this is to enhance its effectiveness. Also, governments and NGOs should initiate projects to develop digitisation of indigenous knowledge in order to promote cultures and enhance indigenous capacity for environmental sustainability and effective management of natural resources in Africa.
Description
Conference Proceedings
Keywords
Afrikology , Natural Resources Management , Indigenous Knowledge , Digitisation
Citation
Akinwale, A.A (2013) Digitisation of Indigenous Knowledge for Natural Resources Management in Africa. A Paper Presented at the 20th Anniversary Summit of the African Educational Research Network at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA.