Promoting Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development in Africa: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development due to its deep connection with the social, economic, and environmental aspects of a community. This study evaluated the role of indigenous knowledge in achieving sustainable development goals in Africa. A mixed-methods research approach was employed. This entailed bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. Data was collected from Google Scholar. The study collected forty-one publications from Google Scholar, which were then comprehensively analysed. The analysis covered publication trends, types, and quality, as well as the perception, potential, and application of IK in various sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and ecological conservation. The findings revealed fluctuations in publication activity over three decades, with notable increases from 2000 to 2007 and 2011 to 2015. The most common publication types were book chapters and journal articles, with the majority being single-authored. Citation analysis was used to assess the quality of publications, with older articles showing a trend to accumulate more citations over time. The study underscored the importance of IK in sustainable development, aligning with existing literature on its potential contributions to addressing environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Factors such as regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure were identified as influencing the integration of IK into sustainable development efforts. While the findings supported the growing recognition of IK in sustainable development, the study acknowledged the need for a balanced assessment of its strengths and limitations. It emphasised the importance of contextual factors and the integration of IK with other knowledge systems for more effective and sustainable outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to harness the potential of IK for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.