Transcript Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Applications in

Indigenous Knowledge Systems
(IKS): Applications in innovative
Agri-business Activities in South
Africa and Zimbabwe
Medicine Magocha
[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
 The thesis focus on iks in SA and Zim and how it is
applicable to modern day agri-business activities
 People are deprived from applying what they know in
agri-businesses
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The motive of this research is on the application of iks in
African agricultural businesses towards the production of a
complete product for Africa
There is untapped crucial knowledge in Africa. African be
highly productive if given the chance to produce from her iks.
Iks could be maintained, improved, implemented and passed
on
In this thesis knowledge forms which contributed to the
existence of the then people are going to be unraveled
Suggestions on how iks can be capitalized towards the
development of sustainable future would be raised.
A lot of current developments emanated from iks
African societies are losing due to lack of contribution in
business domains.
Iks can be mantained,improved,implemented and passed on
through oral tradition data banks, written records and
archaeological heritages
Skills and expertise though they appeared individualistic
benefited many people for example the “cow horn formation”
(Chigwedere 1999)
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Knowledge is pivotal in the facets of survival; thus why it is said
“Knowledge is power”
Prusak (1998:3) posit that “Knowledge is a fluid a fluid mix of
framed experiences, values, contextual information and expert
insights…”
The definition sounds nice but it takes issues of ontology for
granted. Knowledge is produced anywhere, everywhere,
whenever and from anyone
Butler in Schwartz (2006:1) argues that there is a relationship
between the individual and his/her social world; where
knowledge is constructed.
Iks comes from the people of citizenry therefore must be
capitalised among generations for informed decisions and to
influence productivity.
Jordan the then Minister of Arts and Culture of SA (2005) said;
IKS predates the imperial and colonial era. Despite the passage of time elements
of it still are the lived experience of various communities. They have been
preserved in the manner in which these communities deal with birth, the coming
of age, maturity, marriage, old age and death. These ways of doing things have
provided people with the survival strategies to deal with poverty and destitution,
to create stability and how they co-exist with other communities…
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National Research Foundation (NRF) (2005) asserts
that iks refers to the complex set of knowledge and
technologies existing and developed around specific conditions of
populations and communities indigenous to a particular
geographic area…These populations…retain some of, or their
entire own social, economic, cultural and political institutions.
…IK refers to the knowledge developed by these populations in
themselves, as well as knowledge developed through interaction
with other populations in South Africa
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Agri-business matching the African people should be
practised, this would promote sustainable development.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
IKS is considered backward (Ajei 2007, Cornel du Toit
2005:850)
 Capitalising on iks would be a springboard towards agribusiness development of Africa
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PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS
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Africa is over dependent on modern or western science,
which sometimes is irrelevant to epistemological thought
systems.
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Nabudere (2011) echoes that, “The world is undergoing tremendous shake
up that is going to affect the way we think, understand situations and act in
the world of change” He argues that for the basic structures of public power
iks should be supported.
Currently the means of survival are not considering all age groups, identities
and races. There is McDonalisation,coca-colisation mechanisation and
hybridisation.
Most cultural themes are imported, in this case globalisation move away
from Africa and its historic achievements and cultural riches.
Globalised world culture would benefit if African achievements could be
mediated towards it and incorporated in it.
The contradiction of present day science leading to the production of
genetically modified(GM) foods has resulted in alteration of living styles and
feeding habits of people in Africa.
Iks should be transformed into innovation to cater for humanity and its
diversity.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The research would address would address the following questions;
 To what extent is local knowledge applied in innovative agri-business in SA
and Zimbabwe and of what benefit?
 To what extent can the application of indigenous knowledge systems
improve agri-business activities in SA and Zimbabwe?
 How can local and foreign knowledge systems be integrated for the benefit
of agri-business sectors in SA and Zimbabwe?
RESEARCH AIM
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The research is targeted at exploring the best possible means of improving
agri-business innovation for high productivity. Of late SA and Zimbabwean
agri-business has witnessed a decline which in turn has threatened food
security in the region.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the study is to explore the extent to which iks is
recognised and applied in agri-businesses in SA and Zim.
 The study further seeks to establish how indigenous knowledge is
transformed into innovation of economic value. It also explore the level of
hybridised knowledge that emanates from the integration of iks and
“modern sciences” if such integration exists.
Secondary objectives include;
1.Assessing the applicability of iks in improving innovative agri-business
activities in SA and Zim
2. Examining how local and foreign knowledge systems can be integrated for
the benefit of agri-business sectors in SA and Zim.
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RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
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The study intends to bring a balanced indigenous agricultural management
knowledge systems in contemporary agri-business activities
It will contribute in the preservation of intangible agricultural heritages like
the ukweshwama/zunde, ilimo/nhimbe and livestock exchange programmes
This would be pertinent to SA and Zim Ministries of agriculture, farmers and
related stakeholders.
Faculties of agric and agric students would be the beneficiaries.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
The study is important it links agriculture with knowledge
management and business management.
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also revalorizes
the
existent
knowledge
towards
productivity in agriculture.
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CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This study intends to zero on two theories namely the world
systems theory and post-modernist theory.
 These theories would shade light on the issues of iks and how
it can be applied in agri-business.
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EXPECTED FINDINGS
Establishment of business opportunities existing for iks to
have economic value in agri-business through innovation.
 Facilitating the production of hybridised knowledge systems
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THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Concentrate on iks, agri-business in SA and Zim.
 Rural areas will be targeted in SA Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga
Provinces’ other areas will be visited in Zim Masvingo Province and
Manicaland Province are going to involved.
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Ukweshwama/zunde, ilimo/nhimbe and livestock exchange
practices like the heifer pass-on projects are going to be
detailised.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study will use both qualitative and quantitative but
predominantly qualitative.
 In-depth interviews based on structured questionnaire
would be used to gather data
 Analysis would be aided by statistical packages.
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The hypothetical presentation of the research looks as follows;
Independent
variables
IKS
Moderating
variables
Intervening
variables
Innovation
Agri-business
Growth level
Dependent
variables
Economic
value
LIMITATIONS TO THE STUDY
Inaccessibility to research sites
 Apathy of respondents
 Relative paucity of previous work on iks
 The dearth of relevant statistics
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RESEARCH OUTLINE
Chapter one background, introduction, statement of the
problem, problem analysis and synthesis, research
questions, aim and objectives, rationale, importance of
the study, conceptual framework, expected findings,
scope of the study, research methodology, limitations to
the study and research outline, conclusion
 Chapter 2 Theoretical framework, Chap 3, Literature
review, 4 Research methodology, 5 Data analysis, 6
Discussion of outcomes, Chapter 7, Conclusions,
summary and recommendations.
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