Whose Knowledge Counts? Decolonisation of Knowlege for Digital Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Africa

The decolonization of knowledge, particularly concerning the preservation and sustainability of Indigenous knowledge in Africa, necessitates a comprehensive re-evaluation of how such knowledge is produced, digitized, communicated, and preserved. This lightning talk, addresses the critical need for inclusive digital preservation policies and practices that authentically represent Indigenous voices and perspectives. The current findings in South Africa, reveal significant gaps in digital preservation policies for Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in Africa. Indigenous knowledge owners lack effective mechanisms and policies for long-term digital preservation. Although some African countries have initiated policies to manage Indigenous knowledge, there is often a lack of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, resulting in insufficient representation and benefits for these communities.

In Kenya, we have mapped Indigenous knowledge holders, community archives, libraries and museums in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The county leadership has embraced stakeholder involvement in digital preservation and conservation efforts, setting a precedent for community-driven initiatives in Indigenous knowledge preservation. Despite these efforts, the lack of standardized metadata for Indigenous knowledge systems hinders the accessibility and integration of local knowledge into digital preservation frameworks for more than 90 community libraries, museums, traditional medical centers, botanic gardens, cultural sites within the Keiyo and Marakwet communities of Kenya. We have used application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Gemini AI, which presents a promising opportunity for decolonizing knowledge and addressing metadata challenges in the global ecosystem. The AI tools can facilitate the identification, creation, discovery, access, organization, dissemination, and preservation of Indigenous knowledge. However, there is a critical need for sustained investment in local and Indigenous knowledge systems, digital inclusion and skill development to ensure that Indigenous knowledge is accurately and respectfully preserved and integrated into the global information and knowledge ecosystem. This talk showcases the ongoing partnerships between local and global stakeholders to develop inclusive and sustainable digital preservation strategies for Indigenous knowledge in Africa.