An evaluation on the impact of provision of indigenous knowledge to local communities of the Chikuni Mission Community of Monze-Zambia

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) has been recognized world over as a resource that can be utilized to bring about development.  It is the contention of this article that in Africa, the role of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in fostering development is even greater, taking into account that Africa houses a significant portion of the most under-developed countries in the world. The article observes though, that prescribed solutions to developmental problems Africa is facing are usually western type solutions that sometimes fail to take into account the differences in culture thus translating into failure in getting results. It is in this vein that this study was undertaken to evaluate the role Mukanzubo Kalinda Institute, as an indigenous knowledge system (IKS), plays in the dissemination of indigenous knowledge to communities in its locality.  The objectives of the study were to identify developmental programmes the Institute was engaged in and their outcomes as well as the identification of indigenous knowledge resources the Institute was providing to foster sustainable development. The methodology used comprised a case study approach and use of purposive sampling, while the data collection techniques used were a guided interview and focus group discussions with Institute officials. The major findings revealed that the Institute was engaged in two long running developmental programmes, the first being the Traditional Under-Five Clinic which had saved many lives and solved a lot of health problems faced by young mothers and their infant children. The Institute also ran a Character, Morals and Life Skills Training Programme called Bulemu which had recorded low pregnancy levels and good academic and vocational performance among youths that had been through the programme. The article concludes that the application of indigenous knowledge can bring about development in Zambia and that it must be included among the priority development strategies.