Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Development in Africa

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. Samuel Ojo Oloruntoba is Associate Professor at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, University of South Africa and Visiting Scholar, Institute of African Studies, Carleton University, Canada. Adeshina Afolayan is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Olajumoke Yacob-Haliso is Associate Professor of political science and Acting Dean Faculty of Social Science at Babcock University, Nigeria 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 "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."-- Provided by publisher