Page 133 - A People Called Afrika

Afrika’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems

running on and the mindless spin that we have been caught up
in along with the world system. We need to take a time out to
breathe and exhale, critically relook our Afrikan space and then
take a bold step backward, sideways or any other way towards
re-appreciating and realigning with our Afrikan Indigenous
Knowledge Systems. This is one hope that we have to enter
with strength and true wisdom into the next age, post Covid-19.

What are Afrikan indigenous knowledge systems?
These can simply be viewed as the way and method, in which
Afrikan knowledge is gathered, molded, distributed, assimi-
lated, expanded and how it ties back to social and community
cohesion, balance and harmony. It’s a holistic and communal
approach to knowledge creation and dissemination. Knowl-
edge, technology, science, creativity, in whatever form or con-
text they come in, are found in every culture and society on
earth. So it is not only selfish, but also foolish, for anyone to
undermine the knowledge and science of other cultures and
societies. In Afrikan Indigenous Knowledge Systems, knowl-
edge is based on the study and interaction between people
and the natural environment and the supernatural realm. This
forms the basis for sustainable development that is beneficial
for the whole community. Knowledge, to the ancient Afrikan,
was not a tool for oppressive and destructive behaviors, it was
holistic in the sense that it took care of every aspect of life. It
dealt with spiritual health, mental health, bodily health, envi-
ronmental health, relational health and how all these elements
affected the harmony and balance within the community.

Evidently, the bullying dominance of Western science and
knowledge had a negative and destructive effect on the devel-
opment of other technologies, by undermining the creativity

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