African Traditional Knowledge System as Innovative Strategies for Shared Natural Resource Management in Africa

Abstract

In contemporary African society, people’s view of the universe has changed. Nature is now viewed in terms of exploitation of natural resources. Efforts at managing shared natural resources have not been faced with much success. This has been attributed to among other factors, the lack of capacity of rural people in managing natural resources. However, this paper argues on the contrary that rather than a lack of capacity, the lack of adequate recognition given to African traditional knowledge system in natural resource management can be attributed to the challenges in natural resource management. This has led to the development of policies and institutional structures without having recourse to traditional knowledge system and the wealth of knowledge contained therein. Natural resources management although now becoming a mantra has always been part of the fabric of the African society. However colonialism with its attendant consequences led to a subjugation of the African traditional knowledge system. Contemporary Africa can borrow a leaf from its past African traditional knowledge system which attached great value to nature and its resources. African cultural heritage can be used to preserve and rehabilitate the environment and the natural resources which have witnessed speedy degradation due to human exploitation.