Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Interfacing Indigenous Knowledge with Scientific Knowledge for Improved Health Outcomes: Lessons from Eswatini

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Socio-Ecological Systems and Decoloniality

  • 373 Accesses

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) covers a vast spectrum of knowledge used by indigenous societies/cultures and includes, among others, knowledge associated with treating illnesses and/or maintaining general well-being. Traditional medicine plays an integral role in the local healthcare of many societies. The subject of integrating traditional medicine (TM) into national healthcare systems for improved health outcomes is a very old one. It dates back at least to 1978 when the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care called on countries and governments to include the practice of traditional medicine within their primary healthcare systems. Since then, some countries have made tremendous efforts to integrate TM into their national healthcare systems. However, many others are still struggling with the implementation of this concept, for many reasons. We propose that another model should be investigated, that of interfacing the two knowledge systems, rather than integration. A discussion on the pros and cons of interfacing, rather than integration, is discussed in this chapter. Lessons are drawn from working with traditional knowledge holders from communities in Eswatini.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
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

References

  • Abreu, J. S., Domit, C., & Zappes, C. A. (2017). Is there dialogue between researchers and traditional community members? The importance of integration between traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge to coastal management. Ocean and Coastal Management, 141, 10–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2017.03.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adams, J., Hollenberg, D., Lui, C. W., & Broom, A. (2009). Contextualizing integration: A critical social science approach to integrative health care. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32, 792–798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.10.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adeniji, K. O., Amusan, O. O. G., Dlamini, P. S., Enow-Orock, E. G., Gamedze, S. T., Gbile’, Z. O., Langa, A. D., Makhubu, L. P., Mahunnah, R. L. A., Mshana, R. N., Sofowa, A., & Vilane, M. J. (2000). Traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia contribution to ethnobotanical and floristic studies in Swaziland. Scientific Technical and Research Commission of the Organization of African Unity (OAU/STRC).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ae-Ngibise, K., Cooper, S., Adiibokah, E., Akpalu, B., Lund, C., Doku, V., & Consortium, T.Mh.R.P. (2010). ‘Whether you like it or not people with mental problems are going to go to them’: A qualitative exploration into the widespread use of traditional and faith healers in the provision of mental health care in Ghana. International Review of Psychiatry, 22, 558–567. https://doi.org/10.3109/09540261.2010.536149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Afful-Arthur, P., Kwafoa, P. N. Y., Ampah-Johnston, M., Mensah, V. (2021). Managing and accessing indigenous knowledge for national development: The role of academic libraries in Ghana. Information Development. 02666669211009916. https://doi.org/10.1177/02666669211009916

  • Agbor, A. M., & Naidoo, S. (2011). Knowledge and practice of traditional healers in oral health in the Bui Division, Cameroon. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 7, 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-7-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahenkan, A., Opoku-Mensah Abrampa, F., & Boon, E. K. (2019). Integrating traditional and orthodox medical practices in health care delivery in developing countries: Lessons from Ghana. International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 7, 23–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahlberg, B. M. (2017). Integrated health care systems and indigenous medicine: Reflections from the Sub-Saharan African region. Frontiers in Sociology, 2, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2017.00012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ainsworth, G. B., Redpath, S. M., Wilson, M., Wernham, C., & Young, J. C. (2020). Integrating scientific and local knowledge to address conservation conflicts: Towards a practical framework based on lessons learned from a Scottish case study. Environmental Science & Policy, 107, 46–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.02.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ampomah, I. G., Malau-Aduli, B. S., Malau-Aduli, A. E. O., & Emeto, T. I. (2020). Effectiveness of integrated health systems in Africa: A systematic review. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 56, 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56060271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Awodele, O., Agbaje, E. O., Ogunkeye, F. A., Kolapo, A. G., & Awodele, D. F. (2011). Towards integrating traditional medicine (TM) into National Health Care Scheme (NHCS): Assessment of TM practitioners’ disposition in Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 1, 90–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2011.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aziba, P. I. (2007, April 4). Report of proceedings of the workshop on integration of traditional medicine with conventional medicine in health delivery systems in Swaziland. University of Swaziland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bohensky, E. L., & Maru, Y. (2011). Indigenous knowledge, science, and resilience: What have we learned from a decade of international literature on “integration”? Ecology and Society, 16, 6. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-04342-160406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boon, H., Verhoef, M., O’Hara, D., & Findlay, B. (2004). From parallel practice to integrative health care: a conceptual framework. BMC Health Services Research, 4, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-4-15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Breidlid, A. (2009). Culture, indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable development: A critical view of education in an African context. International Journal of Educational Development, 29, 140–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2008.09.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cambridge University Press. (2021). Cambridge Dictionary.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canaway, R. (2017). Integration of traditional and ‘modern’ medicine: Reflections on a visit to DPR Korea. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 15, 32–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2017.08.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Candel, J. J. L., & Biesbroek, R. (2016). Toward a processual understanding of policy integration. Policy Sciences, 49, 211–231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11077-016-9248-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carey, S., & Smith, C. (1993). On understanding the nature of scientific knowledge. Educational Psychologist, 28, 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep2803_4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, M. (2014). Supporting the integration and modernization of traditional medicine. Science, 346, S2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dlamini, P. S. (2001). Facilitating collaboration between traditional healers and western health practitioners in the management of chronic illnesses in Swaziland. University of Natal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dludlu, M. N., Dlamini, P. S., Sibandze, G. F., Vilane, V. S., & Dlamini, C. S. (2017). Distribution and conservation status of the Endangered pepperbark tree Warburgia salutaris (Canellaceae) in Swaziland. Oryx, 51, 451. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605316000302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Falisse, J. B., Masino, S., & Ngenzebuhoro, R. (2018). Indigenous medicine and biomedical health care in fragile settings: Insights from Burundi. Health Policy and Planning, 33, 483–493. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czy002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Green, E. C., & Makhubu, L. (1984). Traditional healers in Swaziland: Toward improved cooperation between the traditional and modern health sectors. Social Science & Medicine, 18, 1071–1079. https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(84)90167-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gumbo, M. (2014). In R. Gunstone (Ed.), Indigenous knowledge BT – Encyclopaedia of Science Education (pp. 1–3). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_309-2

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gyasi, R. M., Poku, A. A., Boateng, S., Amoah, P. A., Mumin, A. A., Obodai, J., & Agyemang-Duah, W. (2017). Integration for coexistence? Implementation of intercultural health care policy in Ghana from the perspective of service users and providers. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 15, 44–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60312-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Innocent, E. (2016). Trends and challenges toward integration of traditional medicine in formal health-care system: Historical perspectives and appraisal of education curricula in Sub-Sahara Africa. Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, 5, 312–316. https://doi.org/10.5455/jice.20160421125217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • James, P. B., Wardle, J., Steel, A., & Adams, J. (2018). Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine use in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. BMJ Global Health, 3, e000895–e000895. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000895

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaboru, B. B., Falkenberg, T., Ndubani, P., Höjer, B., Vongo, R., Brugha, R., & Faxelid, E. (2006). Can biomedical and traditional health care providers work together? Zambian practitioners’ experiences and attitudes towards collaboration in relation to STIs and HIV/AIDS care: A cross-sectional study. Human Resources for Health, 4, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4491-4-16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kpobi, L., & Swartz, L. (2019). Indigenous and faith healing in Ghana: A brief examination of the formalising process and collaborative efforts with the biomedical health system. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 11, e1–e5. https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v11i1.2035

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krah, E., de Kruijf, J., & Ragno, L. (2018). Integrating traditional healers into the health care system: Challenges and opportunities in Rural Northern Ghana. Journal of Community Health, 43, 157–163. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-017-0398-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kunene, E. N., Dludlu, M. N., Sibandze, G. F., Vilane, V. S., Ngwenya, M. P., & Dlamini, P. S. (2018). Regulation of traditional medicines in Eswatini. In E. N. Kunene, M. N. Dludlu, G. F. Sibandze, V. S. Vilane, M. P. Ngwenya, & P. S. Dlamini (Eds.), EIRMIP, University of Eswatini.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin, V., Canaway, R., & Carter, B. (2015). Interface, interaction and integration: how people with chronic disease in Australia manage CAM and conventional medical services. Health Expectations, 18, 2651–2665. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.12239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madiba, S. E. (2010). Are biomedicine health practitioners ready to collaborate with traditional health practitioners in HIV and AIDS care in Tutume sub district of Botswana. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines AJTCAM, 7, 219–224. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v7i3.54779

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magni, G. (2017). Indigenous knowledge and implications for the sustainable development agenda. European Journal of Education, 52, 437–447. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Makhubu, L. P. (1978). The traditional healer. University of Botswana and Swaziland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makhubu, L. P. (2010). Traditional medicine and healing in Swaziland. UNISWA Research Centre.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maluleka, J. R., & Ngoepe, M. (2018). Integrating traditional medical knowledge into mainstream healthcare in Limpopo Province. Information Development, 35, 714–723. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666918785940

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maunganidze, L. (2016). A moral compass that slipped: Indigenous knowledge systems and rural development in Zimbabwe. Cogent Social Sciences, 2, 1266749. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2016.1266749

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mazzocchi, F. (2006). Western science and traditional knowledge. EMBO Reports, 7, 463–466. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.embor.7400693

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moeta, M., Mogale, R. S., Mgolozeli, S. E., Moagi, M. M., & Pema-Bhana, V. (2019). Integrating African traditional health knowledge and practices into health sciences curricula in higher education: An Imbizo approach. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies – Multi- Inter- and Transdisciplinarity, 14, 67–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/18186874.2019.1635505

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MOH. (2011). In Ministry of Health, Government of Eswatini (Ed.), National Pharmaceutical Policy 2011. Available at https://www.gov.sz/images/national%20%20pharmaceutical%20%20policy%202011.pdf. Accessed on 20 Sept 2021

    Google Scholar 

  • MOH. (2012). Swaziland Pharmaceutical Strategic Plan 2012-2016 (MOH, 2012). Ministry of Health, Government of Eswatini.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mokgobi, M. G. (2013). Towards integration of traditional healing and western healing: Is this a remote possibility? African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2013, 47–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mothibe, M. E., Kahler-Venter, C. P., & Osuch, E. (2019). Evaluation of the in vitro effects of commercial herbal preparations significant in African traditional medicine on platelets. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19, 224. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2644-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muswazi, P. (2001). Indigenous knowledge management in Swaziland: Perspectives. Information Development, 17, 250–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndlovu, H. (2014). Towards a national policy on collaboration between the modern and traditional health systems in Swaziland. UNISWA Research Journal, 27, 12–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Omoregie, H., Ibrahim, Aliyu, J., Danjuma, C., Kunle, & Folashade, O. (2015). Integrating traditional medicine practice into the formal health care delivery system in the new millennium – The Nigerian approach: A review. International Journal of Life Sciences, 4, 120–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ozioma, E.O. J., & Chinwe, O. A. N. (2019). Chapter 10: Herbal medicines in African traditional medicine. In Builders, O.A.N.C.E.-P.F. (Ed.), IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.80348

  • Park, Y. L., & Canaway, R. (2019). Integrating traditional and complementary medicine with national healthcare systems for universal health coverage in Asia and the Western Pacific. Health Systems & Reform Journal, 5, 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/23288604.2018.1539058

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raymond, C. M., Fazey, I., Reed, M. S., Stringer, L. C., Robinson, G. M., & Evely, A. C. (2010). Integrating local and scientific knowledge for environmental management. Journal of Environmental Management, 91, 1766–1777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.03.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sibandze, G. F., Dludlu, M. N., Ahmad, M., & Dlamini, P. S. (2010a). Report on proceedings of the workshop on “Uplifting collaborative efforts with SIRMIP: How can we forge partnerships?” (p. 63). University of Swaziland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sibandze, G. F., van Zyl, R. L., & van Vuuren, S. F. (2010b). The anti-diarrhoeal properties of Breonadia salicina, Syzygium cordatum and Ozoroa sphaerocarpa when used in combination in Swazi traditional medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.08.050

  • Tharakan, J. (2017). Chapter 7: Indigenous knowledge systems for appropriate technology development. In P. Venkatesan (Ed.), IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.69889

  • UNESCO. (2017). Local and indigenous knowledge systems [WWW Document]. Online. URL http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/priority-areas/links/related-information/what-is-local-and-indigenous-knowledge/. Accessed 4 Oct 20.

  • White, P. (2015). The concept of diseases and health care in African traditional religion in Ghana. HTS Teologiese Studies, 71, 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WHO. (1978). World Health Organization Primary health care: Report of the International Conference on Primary Health Care 6–12 September 1978. Alma-Ata, USSR.

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO. (2013). WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014–2023. WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO. (2018). Traditional and complementary medicine in primary health care. WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO. (2019). WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine 2019. WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X. (2002). Traditional medicine strategy 2002–2005. World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors did not receive any funding for the current work; however, the Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal and Indigenous Food Plants, University of Eswatini is acknowledged for the funds and opportunities availed to the authors to interact with traditional healers in many platforms. This has shaped the author’s views and perceptions. All the traditional healers who have allowed us access to their homes and knowledge are highly appreciated.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal and Indigenous Food Plants, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini

    Gugu F. Sibandze & Meshack N. Dludlu

Authors
  1. Gugu F. Sibandze
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Meshack N. Dludlu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gugu F. Sibandze .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Abundance and Sustainable Futures Global Network, Mbabane, Eswatini

    Deepa Pullanikkatil

  2. Ethnopharm LLC, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

    Kerry Hughes

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Sibandze, G.F., Dludlu, M.N. (2022). Interfacing Indigenous Knowledge with Scientific Knowledge for Improved Health Outcomes: Lessons from Eswatini. In: Pullanikkatil, D., Hughes, K. (eds) Socio-Ecological Systems and Decoloniality. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15097-5_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation