Indigenous Intelligence and Livelihoods in Africa: Knowledge Systems in Selected Communities in Kenya

Abstract

Abstract

Livelihoods in Africa are informed by decisions made based on various intelligences available to the local communities (Semali & Kincheloe, 1999). Through the observation and study of nature over time, various knowledge systems have evolved to mitigate different challenges and circumstances touching on human life including provision of medication and healing, food preservation, use of music and rituals, African religion, weather forecast and prediction among others. Without doubt, indigenous intelligence continues to be a key aspect in daily life decision making despite advancements in science, technology and communication (Battiste & Henderson, 2000; Semali & Kincheloe, 1999; Whitt, 2009). Studies have revealed that indigenous knowledge has the capacity to generate transferable local skills and set energies in motion to reduce the prevailing inequalities on the African continent (Ewane and Ajagbe 2018). Clearly, this reinforces the relevance of indigenous knowledge in development practices. It is because of this awareness that Mutekwe (2015) calls upon the need to integrate the indigenous knowledge systems with the various educational curricular found in Africa. In realizing this goal, the local languages should not be left out in the process because they are important carriers of indigenous knowledge, which could enable an individual to understand and access meanings carried in oral and religious art forms (proverbs, folktales, riddles and taboos) (Nyota and Mapara 2007).
The main driving idea behind this research project is to establish the indigenous knowledge skills currently in use among selected Kenyan communities. This is with the aim of determining the specific practitioners; analyze the effects of the indigenous skills used on the livelihoods of the people; and to explore the language(s) that embeds (serves as the medium of access, interpreting and transmitting) the respective knowledges. This is with the specific interest of identifying, documenting and eventually preserving the carrier languages of the selected indigenous knowledge systems in Africa. The study will focus on the traditional skills and knowledge touching on Africans daily life with focus on food preservation, language of prediction, and aspects of healing in African religion, music performances and rituals. The following key research questions will guide the study.
1.How are specific practitioners of indigenous knowledge identified in the selected communities?
2.To what extent does indigenous knowledge affect livelihoods in the selected communities in Kenya?
3.In which format is indigenous knowledge processed and transmitted from one generation to the other?
4.How are power relations between genders reinforced through the prism of indigenous knowledge?
5.Why has indigenous knowledge persisted despite the advancement of modern day technology?