The role of traditional knowledge in a developing society : a case study of the relationship between traditional and scientific methods of detecting underground water in Botswana
Date
2024-03
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY: This research report explores the role of indigenous knowledge, specifically indigenous water knowledge, in a developing society using Botswana as a case study. The study is grounded in the theory of Indigenous Knowledge Systems which suggests that indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in sustainable development and should be recognized and integrated into socioeconomic, political and cultural policies and practices. It adopts a multi-pronged case study design combining an extensive literature review on indigenous knowledge in Botswana from an empirical research perspective. The literature review critically evaluates the theoretical foundations and contextual understanding of indigenous knowledge systems, traditional water knowledge, and their significance in developing societies while analyzing the complex relationship between indigenous and scientific knowledge, and the challenges and benefits of integrating the two. The empirical study comprises a survey of 58 staff in the Department of Water and Sanitation and Water Utilities Corporation, and interviews with 10 traditional water dowsers. This three-pronged case study enables a detailed exploration of traditional water knowledge and practices in Botswana and perspectives on integrating these with scientific water management approaches. The findings from this study indicate the prevalence of traditional dowsing practices despite proliferation of scientific methods. While perceptions of the success rate of traditional dowsing are mixed, observed success of recognized dowsers has provided evidence of efficacy, to some great extent. The study also reveals that there is limited collaboration between water authorities and traditional dowsers. However, most survey respondents supported combining traditional and scientific methods, recognizing the value of diverse body of knowledge systems. There was an observed trend that picked that views differed on whether traditional knowledge is equivalent, complementary, or inferior to scientific knowledge. As such, it emerges that there are key opportunities that exist for greater recognition of traditional knowledge in policies, training and resources to improve scientific practice, participatory water management approaches, and fostering respectful collaboration between traditional and scientific knowledge holders. However, challenges remain regarding the verification of traditional knowledge, conflicts between knowledge systems, and changes to cultural practices. The study concludes that integrating traditional water knowledge with scientific approaches can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of water management in Botswana; nevertheless, this requires concerted efforts across policy, practice, research, and education spheres. The findings provide valuable insights to guide these efforts and contribute to the broader global discourse on harnessing indigenous knowledge in developing societies.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.