Indigenous Knowledge Research in Kenya and South Africa: An Informetric Study

This article applies informetrics using descriptive bibliometrics to determine the state Indigenous Knowledge (IK) development in Kenya and South Africa. Data was analysed using the following variables: document type; growth of literature on the subject from 1990-2008; document source(s); document affiliation; subject domain; country of publication; and nature of authorship, among other attributes. International databases (OCLC – Online Computer Library Center, MEDLINE and AGRICOLA) and national databases – South Africa’s Southern African Bibliographic Information Network (SABINET databases, i.e. Current and Completed Research: CCR, Union Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations: UTD, and Index to South African Periodicals: ISAP) and Kenya’s Greenstone Database – were analysed using content analysis. Two keywords – indigenous knowledge and traditional knowledge – were used in all database searches. We found that IK was strongly represented in the SABINET and OCLC databases. The absence of a national (online) database showcasing Kenyan research output made it difficult to account for IK research in the country. Recommendations are provided for a follow up study and further research. The article could prove useful for decision support in IK management.Keywords: Knowledge management; indigenous knowledge; traditional knowledge; informetrics

Auditing the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper discusses the auditing of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South Africa, and explores IKS policies and legislations, structures, centres and systems, activities, and research trends. The study targeted the Ministries of Science and Technology and Arts and Culture; NGOs; and Research Centres. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), including individuals and documented reports. We have applied largely qualitative (that is purposive and snowball) sampling techniques for data collection through document analysis and limited interviews. Snowball sampling was used in order to link with the key subjects of the study - through direct or indirect linkages - for face-to-face interviews. Review of the literature, particularly government documents, was very useful. Preliminary results show that an IKS policy exists and that most institutions base their internal policies/guidelines on the said policy. With various stakeholders in place coordination still lacks amongst them. There are various databases representing local research activities in the country, but efforts should be made to coordinate the entire research conducted in the country. Keywords: Indigenous knowledge; Knowledge auditing, South Africa ESARBICA Vol. 27 2008: pp. 203-22