Strategies for disseminating indigenous knowledge in museums for sustainable development: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge serves as the foundation for solving the local problems that indigenous communities experience. Therefore, it is a significant source of practical knowledge that promotes sustainable development. Museums the world over have rich collections of indigenous knowledge. The potential of this valuable knowledge to contribute to the realisation of the global development agenda, exemplified by the Sustainable Development Goals, is dependent on the effectiveness of its dissemination. Therefore, disseminating indigenous knowledge in museums not only helps to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity but also promotes sustainable practices and encourages the recognition of indigenous rights. This study explores the strategies museums have employed to disseminate the indigenous knowledge they hold to support sustainable development goals on promoting the quality of education (4.7), life on land (15.6), public-private partnerships (17.17), zero hunger (2.5), life below water (14.2), and responsive climate action (13.3) in their jurisdictions. This study was conducted using a systematic literature review. Data was collected from scholarly materials on the subject retrieved from Google Scholar using Harzing’s Publish or Perish software application. The data is visualised using VOSviewer. The findings revealed that IK on ecological conservation, traditional medicine, agriculture, traditional crafts, oral tradition, indigenous languages, and governance systems are available in museums in Kenya. This knowledge can be used by researchers, educators, policymakers, tourists and community members. The knowledge is currently disseminated through exhibitions, online platforms, and cultural exchange programmes. Sensitivities, intellectual property rights, mistrust, language barriers and resource constraints hamper the effective dissemination of this knowledge. Collaborative partnerships, documentation and preservation, education and outreach can improve the dissemination and use of IK held by museums in Kenya.