Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Fostering Egalitarianism Through Globalisation of Africa’s Indigenous Knowledge and Technology (IK&T) for Enhanced Industrial Development and Global Competitiveness

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Globalization and Development

Part of the book series: Contributions to Economics ((CE))

Abstract

Globalisation is defined as the process of strengthening economic, political, social and cultural relations across the globe aimed at inspiring homogenisation of political and socio-economic principle worldwide. The belief is that it impacts significantly on Africa through methodical rearrangement of collaboration among its nations, by removing, among several others, cultural, commercial and communication barriers. The problem that arises is the assumption that these African states are equal in status, strength and resources even with industrialised countries in Asia, Europe and America. The answer is affirmatively ‘no’. How then do we make the unequal states of Africa equal in the arrangement, in order to benefit from globalisation and ensure stimulation of Africa’s industrial development for global competitiveness? This is the focus of this chapter. Relying on secondary and historical data, the chapter employs human factor (HF) theory and posits that capacity and capability building in indigenous technology development is a facilitator for nationwide advancement, in the midst of other factors, its propensity to provide the required backing for growth in the key areas of the economy, mainly in farming and manufacturing. The main argument thus is that development of Africa’s indigenous technology, an important and neglected African resource, its innovations and adaptation are unequivocally mandatory for refining production techniques required to drive progress, African empowerment and global competitiveness. This is so in that technology invented based on people’s culture, tradition and needs and which is adopted for use in their environment can be easily understood, adopted and adapted for increased productivity and industrial development. This will bring the countries in the continent to be equal participants/partners and beneficiary in the globalisation process.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    FORBES in different works listed in detail different Africa’s indigenous technological products developed across various countries of Africa which have contributed significantly to economic development.

References

  • Abah J, Mashebe P, Denuga DD (2015) Prospect of integrating African indigenous knowledge systems into the teaching of sciences in Africa. Am J Educ Res 3(6):668–673

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdulkareem YA (1992) Indigenous technology: past, present and future. Paper presented at the raw materials research and development council workshop for the processing of raw materials, Kwara State Library Complex, October 6. http://www.unilorin.edu.ng/publications/PAST-PRESENT-AND- FUTURE. Accessed 31 Mar 2013

  • Abioye A, Zaid Y, Egberongbe HS (2011) Documenting and disseminating agricultural indigenous knowledge for sustainable food security: the efforts of agricultural research libraries in Nigeria. IFLA. Puerto Rico, August 11–13, San Juan

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams JL (1991) Flying buttresses, entropy, and o-rings: the world of an engineer. Harvard University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Adelaga AG (1997) Maintenance of fully imported electronic equipment. In: Proceedings of 4th national engineering conference, vol 4(1), pp 122–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Adjibolosoo S (1995) The human factor in developing Africa. Praeger, Westport

    Google Scholar 

  • Adjibolosoo SBSK (2003) Pillars of economic growth and sustained human-centred development. In: Muzvidziwa VN, Gundani P (eds) Management and the human factor: lessons for Africa. University of Harare Publication, Harare

    Google Scholar 

  • African Ministerial Council on Science on Technology (n.d.) Securing and using Africa’s indigenous knowledge base. http://www.nepadst.org/platforms/ik.shtml. Accessed 3 Apr 2013

  • Akindele ST, Gidado TO, Olaopo OR (2002) Globalization, its implications and consequences for Africa. Globalization 2(1)

    Google Scholar 

  • Akpomuvie OB (2013) The role of traditional skills and techniques in the development of modern science and technology in Africa. Int J Humanit Soc Sci 113 (Special Issue)

    Google Scholar 

  • Alayasa JY (2012) Building on the strengths of indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable development in crisis conditions from the community level: the case of palestine. Dissertations and theses. Paper 121. Portland State University PDX Scholar

    Google Scholar 

  • Alemazung JA (2010) Post-colonial colonialism: an analysis of international factors and actors marring African socio-economic and political development. J Pan Afr Stud 3(10). Available from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228429413_PostColonial_Colonialism_An_Analysis_of_International_Factors_and_Actors_Marring_African_Socio-Economic_and_Political_Development. Accessed 26 Apr 2018

  • Aliyu G (2003) Application of indigenous technology for national development. In: Proceedings of the 3rd ASUP conference, vol 1(1), pp 134–137

    Google Scholar 

  • Amuda MY, Amuda BG, Waziri B (2012) Indigenous science practices among women in Borno State: implications for classroom learning. A case study of some selected secondary schools in Gwoza L.G.A. Ramat J Manage Sci Technol 1:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Augustine SJ (2008) Oral histories and oral traditions. In: Hulan R, Eigenbrod R (eds) Aboriginal oral traditions: theory, practice, ethics. Fernwood, Halifax, pp 2–3

    Google Scholar 

  • Baviskar A (2000) Claims to knowledge, claims to control: environmental conflict in the great Himalayan National Park, India. In: Ellen R, Parkes P, Bicker A (eds) Indigenous environmental knowledge and its transformations. Harwood Academic, Reading, pp 101–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Bijker W, Hughes TP, Pinch T (1987) General introduction. In: Bijker W, Hughes TP, Pinch T (eds) The social construction of technological systems: new directions in the sociology and history of technology. MIT Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruce BB (1988) Life application study Bible (Cited in Essien CF (2011) Empowering indigenous industries for national development: a review. JORIND 9(1). ISSN: 1596–8308). www.transcampus.org./journals, www.ajol.info/journals/jorind

  • Burkitt I (2002) Technologies of the self: habitus and capacities. J Theory Soc Behav 32(2):219–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers R (1983) Rural development: putting the last first. Longman, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Chikaire J, Osuagwu CO, Ihenacho RA, Oguegbuchulam MN, Ejiogu-Okereke N, Obi KU (2012) Indigenous knowledge system: the need for reform and the way forward. Global Adv Res J Agric Sci 1(8):201–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper PJ, Vargas CM (2004) Implementing sustainable development: from global policy to local actions. Rowman and Littlefield, Lanham

    Google Scholar 

  • Corpor A (2013) What are the advantages and disadvantages of indigenous technology? http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages. Accessed 3 Apr 2013

  • Domfeh KA (2007) Indigenous knowledge systems and the need for policy and institutional reforms. Tribes Tribals 1:41–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Emeagwali G, Sefa Dei GJ (eds) (2014) African indigenous knowledge and the discipline. Sense, Rotterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Essien CF (2011) Empowering indigenous industries for national development: a review. JORIND 9(1). ISSN: 1596 – 8308. www.transcampus.org./journals, www.ajol.info/journals/jorind

  • Eyong CT (n.d.) Indigenous knowledge and sustainable development in Africa: case study on Central Africa. Downloaded 22 Feb 2016

    Google Scholar 

  • Folke et al (2011) Digitisation of indigenous knowledge for resources management. In: Proceedings of the 2012 summit of the African educational research network, 18–20 May, North Carolina State University and DoubleTree Hilton, Raleigh Brownstone University Hotel (cited in Akinwale AA 2012)

    Google Scholar 

  • FORBES (2011) Meet Nigeria’s tablet computer pioneer. http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2011/10/18/meetnigerias-tablet-computer-pioneer/

    Google Scholar 

  • FORBES (2012a) Ugandan students win award for pregnancy scan machine. http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2012/05/14/ugandan-students-invent-pregnancy-scanmachine/

  • FORBES (2012b) Young African invents touch screen medical tablet. http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2012/02/09/young-african-invents-touch-screen-medicaltablet/

  • Forsyth T (1996) Science, myth and knowledge: testing Himalayan environmental degradation in Thailand. Geoforum 27(3):375–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foucault M (1988) Technologies of the self. In: Martin LH, Gutman H, Hutton PH (eds) Technologies of the self: a seminar with Michael Foucault. MIT Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Gakuru CC (2006) Remodelling traditional and indigenous knowledge. http://knowledge.cta.int/en/content/view/full/3006

  • Gibbons (1999) Indigenous economic institutions and ecological knowledge: a Ghanaian case study. Environment 19(3):217–227 (cited in Appiah-Opoku S)

    Google Scholar 

  • Grenier L (1998) Working with indigenous knowledge: a guide for researchers. IDRC, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Grieco M, Holmes L (1999) Tele options for community business: an opportunity for economic growth in Africa. Africa Notes 1–3, October

    Google Scholar 

  • Gyekye K (1997) Tradition and modernity. Oxford University Press, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hagen RJ (2002) Marginalisation in the context of globalization: why is Africa so poor? Nordic J Polit Econ 28:147–179

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammersmith JA (2007) Converging indigenous and western knowledge systems: implications for tertiary education. Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education. University of South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  • Howden K (2001) Indigenous traditional knowledge and native title. UNSW Law J 24(1):60–84. http://siverbuffalo.org/SilverBuffaloITCharacteristics2.html

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibeanu AM, Okonkwo EE (2014) Indigenous technology and cultural practices in Umundu, Nigeria. ResearchGate. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/280603460

  • Innomantra Consulting Private Limited (2011) Indigenous technology: a neglected blessing. http://innomatra.com/resources/training/90-indigenous-tech. Accessed 31 Mar 2013

  • International Technology Education Association (2002) Standards for technological literacy: content for the study of technology. ITEA, Reston

    Google Scholar 

  • Inuwa IK (1995) Foundries subsystem a critical linkage for the successful operation of other industries: basic technical experience. Niger Eng 33

    Google Scholar 

  • John AC, Manabete SS, Zambwa J, Abba AT, Abdullahi Y (2009) Nigeria’s technological development efforts: issues, problems and solutions. Knowl Rev 18(1):107–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaino LM (2013) Traditional knowledge in curricula designs: embracing indigenous mathematics in classroom instruction. Stud Tribes Tribals 11(1):83–88

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keirl S (2006) Ethical technological literacy as democratic curriculum keystone. In: Khan RH (ed) Metal casting technology in Nigeria present status and future prospects. Kings Plaza Commercial Press, Minna

    Google Scholar 

  • Khor M (2002) Intellectual property, biodiversity and sustainable development: resolving the difficult issues. Third World Network, Penang

    Google Scholar 

  • Kizza JM (2013) Africa’s indigenous technologies making footprint on the world stage. Int J Comput ICT Res 7(1):6–11

    Google Scholar 

  • L’kama JD, Manabete SS, Kamaunji BZ, Ahmed HM (2008) Investigation into indigenous technologies and their relevance to a people’s way of life: a case study of three communities in Adamawa State. J Sci Ind Stud 6(3):90–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawson C (2008) An ontology of technology: artefacts, relations and functions. Dent Tech 12(1):48–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Leveque C, Mounolou JC (2003) Biodiversity. Wiley, West Sussex

    Google Scholar 

  • Li TM (2000) Location of indigenous environmental knowledge in Indonesia. In: Ellen R, Parkes P, Bicker A (eds) Indigenous environmental knowledge and its transformations. Harwood Academic, Reading, pp 121–149

    Google Scholar 

  • Maddison A (1995) Monitoring the world economy: 1820–1992. OECD, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Manabete SS (2014) Indigenous technology for sustainable development in West Africa. J Educ Pract. www.iiste.org ISSN 2222–1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) 5(37)

  • Manabete SS, Zambwa J, Mallum UM (2006) Assessment of the performance of the dual tube four-in-one rechargeable lantern in Adamawa State. Scietech J 1(1):102–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathooko JM (2000) The status and future of African traditional ecological knowledge in the sustainability of aquatic resources. In: 2nd Pan African symposium on the sustainable use of natural resources in Africa Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

    Google Scholar 

  • Melchias G (2001) Biodiversity and conservation. Science Publishers, Enfield

    Google Scholar 

  • Mowlana H (1998) Globalization of mass media: opportunities and challenges for the societies. Coop South 2:22–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Muranda Z (2005) The intervening influence of the human factor on management decisions, perceptions and attitudes to exporting. In: Muzvidziwa VN, Nakata P, Langton (eds) (2005 cited in Adigun TA (2014) Application of competitive intelligence in indigenous knowledge: the role of the library professionals in Nigeria. J Res Educ Soc 5(2))

    Google Scholar 

  • Native American Academy Silver Buffalo (n.d.) What are the characteristics of technology that are distinct to indigenous technology? Accessed 31 Mar 2013

    Google Scholar 

  • Nkuinkeu R (1999) Medicinal plants and forest exploitation, in non-wood forest products of Central Africa: current research issues and prospects for conservation and development. FAO Forestry Department, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • Nsibambi A (2001) The effects of globalization on the State in Africa: harnessing the benefits and minimizing the costs. United Nations General Assembly, Second Committee Panel Discussion on Globalization and the State, November 2. Accessed 28 Apr 2018

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyoni PA (2015) What Africa had before colonisation, March 26. Downloaded in February 24, 2018

    Google Scholar 

  • Obayemi A (1980) States and peoples of the Niger-Benue confluence area. In: Ikime O (ed) Groundwork of Nigeria history. Heinemann, Ibadan, pp 144–164

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogundiran A (2016) Crises of culture and consciousness in the post-colony: what is the future for Nigeria? Paper presented at the 6th Africa unity for renaissance. South Africa, May 22–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohiorhenuan JFE (1998) The south in an era of globalization. Coop South 2:6–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Olaopa OR, Ayodele O, Akinwale YO, Ogundari IO (2014) Security and securitization in Plateau State: the significance of indigenous knowledge and practices. In: A paper accepted for presentation at the international conference organised by the department of history and international studies, University of Jos, Nigeria, June 30–July 2

    Google Scholar 

  • Olaopa OR, Ojakorotu V, Ayodele O (2016) Developing, utilising and promoting African indigenous knowledge practices in strategic sectors: issues, challenges and policy options. A paper presented at 6th international conference on African unity for renaissance on the knowledge, spiritual and struggle heritage for re-imagining innovative Africa. Organised by UNISA CAMPUS, Pretoria, South Africa at Saint George Hotel, May 22–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Olaoye RA (1992) Indigenous technology in Nigeria. Chronicler J Stud Hist Univ Ilorin 7:2–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Oyejide TA (1998) African trade prospects in a globalizing era. Coop South 2:107–117

    Google Scholar 

  • Pacey A (2001) Meaning in technology. MIT Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Prusak L (1996) The knowledge advantage. Strateg Leadersh, March–April

    Google Scholar 

  • Prusak L (1997) Knowledge in organizations. Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaka J (2013) Africa: impact of globalization in Africa, August 24. Accessed 28 Apr 2018

    Google Scholar 

  • Siyanbola WO, Egbetokun AA, Oluseyi I, Olamade OO, Aderemi HO, Sanni M (2012) Indigenous technologies and innovation in Nigeria. In: Opportunities for SMEs. http://www.SciRP.org/journal/ajibm

    Google Scholar 

  • South African Department of Education (2002) Revised national curriculum statements grades R-9: technology. Government Gazette No. 443 of 23406, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Stride GT, Ifeka C (1975) People and empires of West Africa; 1000-800AD. Lagos. Nigeria. Nelson, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Sundar N (2000) The construction and destruction of ‘indigenous’ knowledge in India’s joint forest management programme. In: Ellen R, Parkes P, Bicker A (eds) Indigenous environmental knowledge and its transformations. Harwood Academic, Amsterdam, pp 79–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Tandon Y (1998) Globalization and Africa options (part one) in AAPS NEWSLETTER, Harare. Afr Assoc Polit Sci 3(1):12–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Thesaurus EG (2012) Indigenous technology. http://www.eionet.europa.eu/gemet/concept?ns=1&cR-4205. Accessed 31 Mar 2013

  • UNESCO (2010) Indigenous knowledge and sustainability. www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_c/mod11.html. Accessed 28 Apr 2018

  • United Nations (1995) Copenhagen declarations and program of action. New York: United Nations. http://www.un.org/esa/earthsummit/. Accessed 13 Apr 2011

  • United Nations (2010) The millennium goals progress report. http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/reports.shtml. Accessed 20 May 2011

  • United Nations (2012) Millennium goals reports website. Annual reports. http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/reports.shtml. Accessed 20 May 2011

  • United Nations Development Program and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (2002) 8

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Document Gathering: A Body of Global Agreements (2011) Nairobi declaration 1982. http://www.un-documents.net/nairdec.htm. Accessed 8 Dec 2011

  • Uthman AA (2016) Traditional rulers and security administration in Nigeria: challenges for the 21st century. IOSR-JHSS 21(8), Ver.6 (Aug. 2016) PP 01-11 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandeleur S (2010) Indigenous technology and culture in the technology curriculum-starting the conversation: a case study. Unpublished Doctoral thesis, Rhodes University

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren DM (1991) Using indigenous knowledge in agricultural development. World Bank discussion paper no. 127. The World Bank, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren DM (1992) Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity conservation and development. In: Keynote address at the international conference on conservation of biodiversity in Africa: local initiatives and institutional roles, 30 August–3 September 1992, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren DM, Slikkerveer LJ, Brokensha D (1995) The cultural dimensions of development: indigenous knowledge system. Intermediate Technology, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • World Bank (1993) Traditional knowledge and sustainable development conference. Washington, DC. http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/uk/d/Jwb43te/4.1.html. Accessed 14 Dec 2011

  • World Bank Group (n.d.) What is indigenous technology? http://www.worldbank.org/afn/ik/basic.thm. Accessed 3 Apr 2013

  • World Commission on Environment and Development (1983)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zambwa J, Manabete SS, Thuku I (2009) An investigation into the marketability of some selected electrical/electronic spare parts for repair work in Adamawa State. Int J Gender Contemp Issues 1:77–96

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics, College of Business Administration, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia

    Olawale R. Olaopa

Authors
  1. Olawale R. Olaopa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cambridge, MA, USA

    Nezameddin Faghih

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Olaopa, O.R. (2019). Fostering Egalitarianism Through Globalisation of Africa’s Indigenous Knowledge and Technology (IK&T) for Enhanced Industrial Development and Global Competitiveness. In: Faghih, N. (eds) Globalization and Development. Contributions to Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-14370-1_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation