Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Development in Africa

✍ Scribed by Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba (editor), Adeshina Afolayan (editor), Olajumoke Yacob-Haliso (editor)

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2020
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 339
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This edited volume analyzes African knowledge production and alternative development paths of the region. The contributors demonstrate ways in which African-centered knowledge refutes stereotypes depicted by Euro-centric scholars and, overall, examine indigenous African contributions in global knowledge production and development. The project provides historical and contemporary evidences that challenge the dominance of Euro-centric knowledge, particularly, about Africa, across various disciplines. Each chapter engages with existing scholarship and extends it by emphasizing on Indigenous knowledge systems in addition to future indicators of African knowledge production.

✦ Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction: African Knowledges, Decolonization and Alternative Futures
References
Part I: Reconstructing Indigenous Knowledges for Africa’s Development
Chapter 2: Falolaist Cultural Brokerage and the Pan-African Agenda in Knowledge Production
Introduction
Knowledge Production
Knowledge Dissemination
‘Recivilization’ (Knowledge Accreditation) Agenda
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 3: African Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Legacy of Africa
Conceptualizing African Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Primary Global African Migration
Resources
Political Structures
Agronomy
Culture
Preserving Legacies
The TFKP and TFIB Models
Institutional Building and Knowledge Production
References
Chapter 4: Removing the Debris
Introduction
European Mindset of Africa and Africans
Nigerian Political Space and the Challenge of Good Governance
Ethnicity
The Bedrock of Political Rivalries and Instability
Corruption
Religion
Knowledge Production of Toyin Falola
Conclusion
References
Part II: The Role of the State and Intellectuals in Knowledge Production in Africa
Chapter 5: The Academic and the Crisis of Knowledge Production and Dissemination in Africa
The Academic
Knowledge Production and Dissemination in Africa
Manifestations of the Crisis
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 6: The Intelligentsia and the Crisis of Knowledge Production and Development in Nigeria
Introduction
Conceptualizing the Intelligentsia
Intellectuals in Nigeria and the Problems Within
External Factors and the Intellectuals in Nigeria
Agenda for the Intellectuals in the Development Project in Nigeria
Contemporary Intelligentsia and the Challenge from Old Nationalists
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7: Pan-African Doctoral Schools and Knowledge Production in Africa: Experiences, Issues, and Testimonials of Participants
Introduction
The African Doctoral Academy University of Stellenbosch
The Pan-African Doctoral Academy University of Ghana
Analytical Framework
Wiig’s Knowledge Production and Management Model
Methods
Interviews and Data Analysis
Findings
Building Knowledge from Participants’ Experiences
Holding Knowledge
Pooling Knowledge
Applying Knowledge
Issues with Pan-African Doctoral Academies
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8: Re-empowering African Indigenous Peacemaking Approaches: Identifying the Enabling Possibilities from Decolonization and Indigenization Discourses
Introduction
Decolonization and Indigenization Theories
Mainstreaming: Meaning, Risks, and Benefits
Guidelines for Mainstreaming African Indigenous Peacemaking Approaches—Enabling Actors, Steps, and Processes
Policymaking Interventions for Mainstreaming African Indigenous Peacemaking Approaches
National Indigenous Peacemaking Commission
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9: Back to the Future: Rethinking Alternatives to External Intervention in African Conflicts
Introduction
The Nature of African Conflicts
Normative Framework for External Interventions
Africa’s Peace Architecture
Problems with External Interventions
Back to the Future
Conclusion
Reference
Part III: Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Pre-colonial Africa
Chapter 10: Beyond Western Medicine (Drugs): Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame and James Henshaw’s This Is Our Chance
Introduction
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11: The Indigenous Knowledge of Law in Pre-colonial Akwa Ibom Area: A Comparative Study of the Similarities and Differences Between the English and the African Legal System
Introduction
A Brief Profile of Akwa Ibom Area
Denial of Existence of African Law in Pre-colonial Times
The Period of Invention of English Common Law and Akwa Ibom Area Customary Law
External Influence on the English Common Law and Akwa Ibom Area Customary Law
Characteristics of the English Common Law and the Akwa Ibom Area Customary Law
5(a). Unwritten Law
5(b). Flexibility of English Common Law and Akwa Ibom Area Customary Law
Source of English Common Law and Akwa Ibom Area Customary Law
6(a). Precedent
6(b). Oral Traditions
6(c). Customs and Mores
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 12: The Resilience of Ondo Indigenous Adjudicatory Institutions 1915–1957
Introduction
Indigenous Tribunals in Ondo Kingdom
The Osemawe’s Court
The Lobun’s Court
The Sashere’s Court
The Logbosere’s Court
The Jomu’s Court
Why Ondo People Continued to Have Faith in Indigenous Tribunals
Involvement of the People
Rituals of Re-integration
Restorative Penalties
Flexible Rules of Evidence and Procedure
Norms and Tradition as the Legal Framework
Appeal to the Supernatural
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13: Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Food Security in the History of Hausaland: An Examination of Food Preservation and Storage Practices
Introduction
The Study Area
Indigenous Knowledge of Preservation and Storage
The Granary Structure in Hausaland
Storage and Food Security
Conclusion
Appendix
References
Chapter 14: Understanding Igede Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Future of Igede Cultural Heritage in Benue State, Nigeria
Introduction
Geographical Context and Pre-colonial History of Igede Area
Perspectives: Understanding the Basic Elements of Igede Traditional/Indigenous Culture in the Context of African Indigenous Knowledge System
Understanding the Dynamics of Igede Indigenous Language in Historical Perspective
Underpinning the Survival of Igede Indigenous Cultural Heritage Through Mutual Interaction Between Igede Language, Igede Agba Celebration, Epwedii and Ejobi
Conclusion
References
Chapter 15: Yorùbá Traditional and Contemporary Cultural Perspectives on Homosexuality: Questions of Human and Minority Rights
Introduction
Homosexuality—Meaning and Conceptualities
Homosexuality in Yorùbá Traditional Cultural Settings
Questions of Existence
Traditional Perspective
Homosexuality in Yorùbá Contemporary Cultural Setting: Questions of Influences and Perspectives on Legislation, Human/Minority Rights
What Has Changed—Reality of Practice
Western Versus Religious Influences—Christianity and Islam
Legislation and Criminalization
Homosexual Minority/Human Rights Debate
Final Reflections
References
Chapter 16: Recognizing the Value of the African Indigenous Knowledge System: The Case of Ubuntu and Restorative Justice
Silencing and Re-emergence of African Cultural Systems
Reliance on Ubuntu to Prevent Conflict in Ancient Africa
Practical Application of Ubuntu in Contemporary Time: Its Role in Seeking Justice and Conflict Resolution
The Role of Ubuntu in the Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa
The Role of Ubuntu in Seeking Justice and Reconciliation in Rwanda
Challenges in the Application of Ubuntu with Truth Commissions as Vehicles
The Importance of Nation State in Implementing Epistemological Concepts
Conclusion
References
Index