Indigenous Knowledge Management in Swaziland: perspectives

Abstract

Describes the codification in Swaziland of knowledge on diseases and indigenous plants used to treat them, traditional healing, law and custom, folk tales, constitutional preferences, etc. Observes that catalogues, bibliographies, inter-library loan facilities, audiovisual (AV) applications, workshops, conferences and oral interviews are an important means of accessing and sharing indigenous knowledge. Notes the limitations in the foregoing and the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) applications on indigenous knowledge management (IKM) in Swaziland. Argues that despite the apparent underutilization of library and information services (LIS) expertise, the profession plays a key role in indigenous knowledge organization and preservation as well as promoting access and sharing. Suggests close cooperation between subject domain specialists, ICT and LIS experts, optimization on the available ICT infrastructure to develop a Web based portal to indigenous knowledge resources, deepening of AV applications at Tinkhundla community centres, and a LIS discussion list to assist in sharing IKM experiences, skills and best practices.

More than songs and stories: The nexus between cultural records and national development

“…Although the key role that information professionals such as librarians and archivists can play in the collection and preservation of cultural records has been generally acknowledged, particularly as relates to the documentation of indigenous knowledge, a gap still persists between this awareness and the actual support extended to undertake such work (Muswazi, 2001; Sithole, 2007; Stevens, 2008). Careful attention to the aims of proposed legal frameworks and policy documents at the international and national levels beyond mere political posturing is therefore needed so that financial resources to fund archives, libraries, indigenous knowledge centers and other heritage institutions are made available.…”

“…This has been particularly advocated for indigenous knowledge, which still mostly resides in the memories and activities of community members. Thus, as recent scholarship indicates, there exists a critical need for the documentation and management of this key, time-tested resource for development (Muswazi, 2001; Ngulube, 2002; Mwebesa et al, 2007; Stevens, 2008; Lodhi and Mikulecky, 2010, 2011; Khalala et al, 2014; Nkwanyana, 2018). The capture of indigenous knowledge and other cultural records that originate locally would also address the predominance of foreign information and fill the gap in local information which Alemna has identified as a significant problem in Africa’s information society.…”

Traditional Knowledge Management (TKM) through Biosprospecting: Mainstreaming Scientific Research Trends and Techniques for Inclusive and Sustainable Education

“…The increased focus on indigenous knowledge by educational institutions and development organizations has not yet resulted in a shared understanding of the idea of indigenous knowledge. There has been minimal study that pertains to management of indigenous knowledge like the study conducted by Ngulube (2002) and Muswazi (2001) on the challenges and opportunities in the knowledge management era and perspectives on indigenous knowledge management in Swaziland respectively.…”

Rural library and information services, their success, failure and sustainability: a literature review

“…The way forward: capacity building of library and information workers Muswazi (2001) highlighted the role of library and information professionals to capture, codify, preserve and distribute indigenous knowledge from the rural areas. He urged the information professionals to utilize information and communication technologies and create web portals through which indigenous knowledge resources linked to external knowledge systems could be shared with a global audience.…”