Integration of indigenous knowledge management into the university curriculum: A case for Makerere University

Abstract

Over the years, people have attempted at preservation of their indigenous knowledge (IK) in their day-to-day activities for socio-economic and community development. Preservation of IK systems would significantly contribute to food and health security, as well as environmental protection. Considering that most of the IK is not documented and is not easy to access, providing appropriate skills for managing IK becomes imperative. The challenge for universities is to orient their curriculum towards IK management. Strategies for identification, tapping/accessing, collection, documentation, organizing and processing, retrieval, disseminating and utilisation of IK are required.

This article presents a strategy for integrating IK management into the university curriculum in Uganda. It attempts to identify the IK systems in Uganda, establishes the IK management curriculum needs universities, and the mechanism for integrating IK management into the university curriculum. In an exploratory qualitative research, data was collected from people believed to be knowledgeable and skilled in IK management from institutions and communities selected purposively. Physical visits and observations in institutions that keep information on IK, including the Uganda Museum, national archives, cultural centres and community/traditional institutions were also made. It is anticipated that, when appropriate mechanisms of mainstreaming IK values are developed and integrated into the university curriculum, there will be improved curriculum, appreciated and mainstreamed IK values, and an informed society for the enhancement of good governance.

Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, cultural heritage, preservation of IK systems, indigenous curriculum, information processing, oral history, palaeography