Traditional knowledge system in disaster risk reduction: Exploration, acknowledgement and proposition

Abstract

The last 60 years have witnessed advanced technological innovation for disaster risk reduction (DRR) with the invention of high-resolution satellite imagery, digital cartography and modern engineering building techniques to high-yielding agricultural production. However, none have been highly satisfying in lessening the impact of disasters. The significant factor for the limited success of modern scientific society is that it views the world from a temporal perspective where humans are believed to be an active agent in modifying every natural possibility into opportunity. The very composite environmental system is simplified whilst extracting resources, resulting in resource depletion and environmental degradation, consequently opening the door for disaster. Technocratic science must recognise the need for a relational or holistic approach rather than believing in reductionist approaches alone whilst dealing with natural calamities. In this context, the knowledge of traditional societies is important to fill up the existing gaps created by the modern society. Traditional knowledge has different sets of ingredients to foster the development of the relational or holistic approach as it involves, interacts and interconnects humans, non-humans (animals and plants) and nature together, setting a perfect balance for sustainable development and DRR. It has vast undocumented observational data of changing natural phenomena, and in today’s scenario of climate change and uncertainty, it can create a path for reliable adaptation measures from climate-induced disasters. Thus, a holistic approach is needed for comprehensive DRR measures where both scientific and traditional knowledge systems can work together. The main purpose of this article was to explore the effective ingredients of traditional knowledge in DRR and how this age-old wisdom can be offered a hand to its integration into and collaboration with scientific research and management for DRR. To fulfil the objectives, a theoretical desk study approach was followed by identifying relevant studies, highlighting traditional knowledge in DRR from empirical and grey literatures, archive materials, biblical stories and so on. This research highlights some of the good practices of traditional knowledge in DRR and the possible path of collaboration of two knowledge systems in DRR.

Collaborating network in managing post the Mount Merapi’s disruption, Indonesia

“…However, shared governance must be fostered in local government units where the network has relatively few members and very dense relationships can be established (Gheblawi et al 2020 ; Provan & Kenis 2008 ), more importantly, a disaster management ambassador, known in Indonesia as Pejuang Sigap Bencana , who is committed to serving the public. Such an ambassador should adapt to changing operating conditions and ensure that the heads of institutions attend collaborative activities (Rai & Khawas 2019 ). Also, tensions can be avoided in implementing sufficient skills.…”

Spatial knowledge and flood preparedness in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

“…Conversance with space characteristics (height of land above sea level [ASL], closeness to water bodies, soil type, size of plot, percentage of developable plot, and setbacks from accessing roads and airspace between buildings) in terms of requirements for development of all types (residential, industrial, commercial, recreational, institutional and transportation) is necessary to avert climate change-related disasters, particularly flooding. Other forms of knowledge, such as traditional (Rai & Khawas 2019 ; UNISDR 2008 ), technological (Deken 2007 ) and biblical (Coppola 2011 ), have been investigated to unravel how the harbingers of such knowledge have been able to prepare for floods and subsequently reduced exposure to risks. However, knowledge of space characteristics and the ability to reduce exposure to flood hazards amongst residents of flood-prone areas have not been given much attention.…”

Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Ecological Pest Control and Post-Harvest Rice Conservation Techniques: Sustainability Lessons from Baduy Communities

“…Because its foundational values are based on observation and practice, indigenous knowledge is very dynamic and highly adaptive as it co-evolves with the changing elements of the environment [22,24,26,27]. Members of each new generation adapt the knowledge handed down by their preceding generations by incorporating their own observations and interpretations before transmitting it to the next generation.…”

“…These sophisticated sets of understandings, interpretations and meanings are part and parcel of a cultural complex that encompasses language, naming and classification systems, resource use practices, ritual, spirituality and worldview" [40] (p. 9). Indigenous knowledge systems are complex arrays of knowledge, know-how, practices and representations that guide members of human communities in their multiple interactions with their natural environment [12,18,19,21,22,27]. In the indigenous knowledge systems, empirical knowledge is intricately connected with the metaphysical domain.…”