Dissemination of indigenous knowledge in Mashonaland east province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Africa has a wealth of knowledge that is currently facing extinction unless drastic measures are taken to disseminate it. This study investigates the dissemination of indigenous knowledge by traditional leaders in the Mashonaland East Province in Zimbabwe. A qualitative methodology that used hermeneutic phenomenology and knowledge conversion theory was used to explore the dissemination of indigenous knowledge by traditional leaders in the Mashonaland East Province, in Zimbabwe. Purpose sampling was used to determine the study population. Data collected from interviews with traditional leaders and other members of the community were augmented with reviewed documents from the ministry responsible for the appointment of traditional leaders. Data was analysed thematically according to the study objectives. The findings of this study revealed that traditional leaders are among the custodians of indigenous knowledge who should ensure that indigenous knowledge is preserved for posterity. It was established that the constitution of Zimbabwe empowers traditional leaders to guard jealously the indigenous knowledge of their communities through the development of strategies for spreading the knowledge to future generations. Various indigenous knowledge scholars concurred that the lack of proper dissemination of indigenous knowledge culminates in its extinction. Dissemination strategies that include the use of information communication technologies were proposed. Furthermore, the study recommends that indigenous knowledge should first be captured and documented to enable greater dissemination.