Hassan O. Kaya (University of KwaZulu-Natal, South  Africa)

2014 •  Pages: 111 • Binding: Hard •  Price: US $ 50/- Rs. 1000/-

(Human Ecology Special Issue No. 18)

This  special publication  on  African Indigenous  Knowledge  Systems and  Food Security brings together  a number of  research papers based on studies  conducted  in  Tanzania, South  Africa, Democratic  Republic of the  Congo (DRC) and  Malawi. The term ‘Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ is used to describe the bodies of knowledge developed by local communities as opposed to the western scientific knowledge that is generally referred to as ‘modern’ knowledge. Indigenous knowledge has been articulated in various ways as the basis for local-level decision-making in local communities various aspects of life including issues related to food security. It has value not only for the culture in which it evolves, but also for scientists and development agencies striving to improve conditions in rural localities. It forms the basis of locating the development process within the context of local ways of knowing including culture and value systems. Incorporating indigenous knowledge, therefore, into food security policy strategies can lead to the development of effective strategies that are cost-effective, participatory and sustainable as they are based on what the people themselves know and can sustain.