To integrate or not: Exploring the prospects and challenges of integrating indigenous knowledge at the University of Namibia
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia Press
Abstract
Namibia has a population of about 2.1 million people of which 87.5% belong to
one of nine main indigenous ethnic groups: Aawambo (50.0%), vaKavango (9.0%),
Ovaherero (7.0%), Damara (7.0%), Nama (5.0%), Lozi (4.0%), San (3.0%), Baster
(2.0%) and Tswana (0.5%) (UNDP, 2000). In Namibia, ethnic identity is stronger
than national identity, with 75% of Namibians feeling much stronger ties to people
of their own ethnic group than to fellow compatriots of other ethnic groups (Shaw-
Taylor, 2008). Undoubtedly, a lot of indigenous knowledge is embedded within
these strong ethnic and cultural precincts. Over the past two decades, many Namibian policy makers and knowledge workers have begun to realize the importance of indigenous knowledge in the country’s development process. In 2011, the Polytechnic of Namibia hosted a three-day conference on the technology of indigenous knowledge under the theme, ‘Embracing indigenous knowledge systems into a new technology design paradigm’. During this conference, Namibians were urged to nurture the knowledge of their ancestors and ensure that it is protected and preserved. At the University of Namibia (UNAM), the
Multidisciplinary Research Centre (MRC) conducts annual indigenous knowledge
symposia. The MRC also has a research programme on indigenous knowledge
systems (IKS), which is funded by the Ministry of Education (ME). Nowadays, more plans are being devoted to the documentation of indigenous knowledge before it disappears.
Description
Keywords
Indigenous knowledge, University of Namibia
Citation
Chinsembu, G.M.M., & Hamunyela, M. (2015). To integrate or not: Exploring the prospects and challenges of integrating indigenous knowledge at the University of Namibia. In K.C. Chinsembu, A. Cheikhyoussef, & D. Mumbengegwi (Eds.), Indigenous Knowledge of Namibia (pp. 361-377). Windhoek: UNAM Press.