Challenges and Opportunities in the Protection and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Africa
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Date
2007
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Abstract
This paper presents challenges and opportunities in the protection and preservation of Indigenous
Knowledge (IK) in Africa. Specific examples have been taken from the Maasai pastoralists and the Sambaa
and Zigua traditional medicine-men of North Eastern Tanzania. The paper argues that there is a threat of
IK extinction due to lack of recording and problems associated with preservation and protection of the
knowledge from pirates. Examples on efforts made by Tanzania in IK preservation, including efforts made
by Economic and Social Research Foundation in developing IK database and training initiatives at University
of Dar es Salaam are discussed. Ethical issues in IK Systems are also discussed with emphasis on returning
IK benefits to the owners of the knowledge, and involvement of people in IK researches. Finally, the paper
highlights challenges in IK prevention and suggests measures that can be taken to alleviate the challenges.
These include among others, developing appropriate IK policies and practices, establishing IK resource
centres, training, researching and developing South South IK networks.
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Msuya, J., 2007. Challenges and opportunities in the protection and preservation of indigenous knowledge in Africa. International Review of Information Ethics, 7(9), pp.1-8.