Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Preface This book is an output of the 3rd International Conference on Information and Knowledge Management, which was held on 4th – 6th October 2023 at the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The theme of the conference was: Attaining Sustainable Development Goals through Indigenous Knowledge. The conference provided a forum for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, development planners, and other stakeholders to explore how the readily available indigenous knowledge can best be applied to the realisation of the development agenda in Africa. Of particular interest were discussions on how indigenous knowledge can support the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the “Big 4 Agenda”. The delegates shared best practices, case studies, lessons learned, success stories, strategies and innovations on how indigenous knowledge can be used to enhance food security; strengthen national and regional efforts on environmental conservation and response to climate change; improve healthcare; increase access to renewable energy; promote gender equality; stimulate societal transformation; facilitate national cohesion and integration; support sustainable human settlement; stimulate locally relevant innovations; and improve the livelihoods of communities. The book has sixty (60) double-blind peer-reviewed papers categorised into eleven (11) sections: Traditional Medicine and Healthcare; Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights; Indigenous knowledge and Education; Indigenous Languages and Communication; Indigenous Knowledge and Food Security; Indigenous Knowledge, Environmental Conservation and Climate Change; Indigenous Knowledge, Agriculture and Sustainable Development; Curation and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge; Indigenous knowledge and Gender Equality; Indigenous Arts, Music, Drama, Theatre and Societal Transformation; and Indigenous Knowledge and Ethics. This book is not just a collection of academic papers, but a practical guide that encapsulates interdisciplinary insights, culturally sensitive approaches, and actionable strategies at the intersection of indigenous knowledge and global sustainability imperatives. By weaving together a rich tapestry of indigenous perspectives, case studies, and best practices, this comprehensive volume not only deepens understanding and appreciation of indigenous knowledge systems but also equips policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners with the tools to integrate them into the pursuit of the SDGs. It offers a roadmap for harnessing indigenous knowledge in crafting inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges, thereby advancing the shared aspiration of leaving no one behind on the path to a more equitable and sustainable future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your interest in this important discourse. We hope that this book will provide you with valuable insights and inspire you to further explore the role of indigenous knowledge in achieving sustainable development goals. Prof Tom Kwanya & Prof Peter M. Matu Nairobi, Kenya May 2024