Leveraging information technology and systems for the sustainable management and preservation of indigenous knowledge
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21501115 |
|---|---|
| Authors | De-Graft Johnson Dei (0000-0002-8539-4058, School Information and Communication Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, corresponding author), Patience Emefa Dzandza (0000-0002-2378-6523, School Information and Communication Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana), Linda Anane-Donkor (0000-0003-3898-8328, KAAF University, Accra, Ghana), Theresa Edusei Peasah-Aidoo (0009-0001-3667-3472, KAAF University, Accra, Ghana), Catherine Asamoah (0000-0002-1766-6330, KAAF University, Accra, Ghana) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-08-28 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Information Development (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0266-6669 • E-ISSN: 1741-6469 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/02666669251370351 |
| OpenAlex | W4413775443 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 37 |
This study examines how information technology and systems are accessed, utilized, and adapted to manage and preserve Indigenous knowledge in Ghanaian communities, to enhance cultural continuity and promote sustainable development. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews to collect data from custodians of Indigenous knowledge in 30 communities in Ghana. It was found that digital technology was limited in communities for managing and preserving Indigenous knowledge, as much of this knowledge was still passed down orally. The study also revealed that most communities lacked access to information technology tools and systems. Still, they did have some access to mobile phones, video cameras, and internet services, which could be used to capture and share Indigenous knowledge. The study found that social media platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, and X play a crucial role in capturing, preserving, and sharing diverse forms of Indigenous knowledge, ranging from agricultural, health, rituals, ceremonies, land management, religion, forestry, natural resources management, and water management, among others. However, the lack of adequate technological infrastructure and supportive policies presents significant barriers, underscoring the urgent need for targeted intervention. The findings not only emphasize the importance of expanding access to digital tools, systems, and technologies but also contribute to the theory by demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge and digital systems and technologies can intersect to support the sustainable management of cultural heritage and traditions
Business · Environmental resource management · Indigenous · Information management · Information system · Information technology · Knowledge management · Traditional knowledge · Computer Science · Engineering · Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Agriculture
Mixed-Methods Research
The Care Principles for Indigenous Data Governance
Purposive sampling
Knowledge management practices in universities
Managing and accessing indigenous knowledge for national development
Web archiving of indigenous knowledge systems in South Africa
Data management of digitized indigenous knowledge system in repositories
Strategies for capturing, managing, and sharing indigenous knowledge
Scientists' Warning to Humanity on Threats to Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems
African indigenous knowledge and research
Storing and sharing
Indigenous knowledge indicators in determining climate variability in rural Ghana
The role of local adaptive capacity in marine ecotourism scenarios
What We See, What We Don’t See
Indigenous data sovereignty in intangible cultural heritage governance
Moving between theory and practice within an Indigenous research paradigm
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |