INDIGENOUS AFRICAN SYSTEMS: A STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE, AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The marginalization of indigenous African systems encompassing traditional medicine, agricultural practices, and local technologies represents a profound challenge to cultural identity, ecological sustainability, and socio-economic development. This study critically interrogates the historical trajectory, functional significance, and contemporary relevance of these systems within African societies. Employing a mixed-methods research design, combining historical analysis with qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research investigates the contributions of indigenous systems to healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, and community cohesion. Findings underscore the superiority of certain indigenous practices in fostering sustainability, ecological resilience, and cultural continuity, particularly when juxtaposed with modern methodologies. However, these systems remain underutilized due to structural neglect, globalization-induced disruptions, and socio-political disenfranchisement. The study advocates for a strategic framework to integrate indigenous knowledge into modern policy and practice through educational initiatives, institutional capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaborations. This integrative approach is positioned as essential for safeguarding Africa’s rich cultural heritage and leveraging indigenous systems as pivotal tools for sustainable development and resilience in the face of global challenges.