Knowledge Management Models And Their Utility To The Effective Management And Integration Of Indigenous Knowledge With Other Knowledge Systems

Abstract

Although indigenous knowledge is key to the development of sub Saharan Africa and the preservation of its societal memory, it is fast disappearing due to a variety of reasons. One of the strategies that may assist in the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge is the utilization of knowledge management models. This article shows that knowledge management models may also offer a window of opportunity to manage and integrate indigenous knowledge into other knowledge systems. Despite the fact that knowledge management models tend to focus on business or organizational settings with formal structures, they may be adapted to manage knowledge in local communities. Knowledge management should not be restricted to “closed” business systems with formal structures. It can also be practiced in open systems or in “the wild” as expressed by Hutchins (1995). However, the ways in which communities can access and manage their knowledge assets remains a major challenge to those involved in the preservation and management of indigenous knowledge.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge systems, knowledge management models, knowledge-creation processes, managing indigenous knowledge, integrating local and external knowledge.

Indilinga Vol. 6 (2) 2007 pp. 117-131