Flagship Programmes

Indigenous Knowledge Systems-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies are based on the people's and local communities long accumulated lived experience to the close relationship with their environment, formed through successive trials and errors, over generations. Women are the main local community subsistence farmers and caregivers, hence the custodians of IKS. As the role of IKS in promoting inclusive and sustainable climate action including DRR, is gaining international recognition, its holistic, inclusive, multi-and trans-disciplinary, dynamic, adaptive, complementary, and participatory nature, enables and necessitates IKS and indigenous languages, to be interfaced with other knowledge and technology systems including digital and artistic technologies, for promoting inclusive literacy and action for global challenges including climate change and DRR.

Therefore, in partnership with diverse stakeholders including local community knowledge holders in different biocultural and linguistic ecosystems, this research and community engagement project seeks to create science and community engagement platforms in local communities, educational and other institutions for sharing knowledge, skills and experiences on:

• •Comparative gender responsive IKS-based DRR strategies in diversity of local communities
• •Prospects and challenges of integrating artistic and digital technologies, including AI applications, in IKS-based DRR strategies, for inclusive and holistic solutions in climate action
• •Role of Traditional Medicine and Healing Systems in climate action and DRR strategies

Digitalization of Oral Heritage for Transformative Education as part of Contribution to Inclusive and Holistic Global Challenges Literacy and Action:

• •Inclusive ways in promoting transformative development including education, by maintaining the nexus between biocultural, linguistic, spiritual, socio-economic diversity and indigenous social practices, for sustainable futures
• •Repositories of indigenous science, technology, innovation, social, political and economic thought, interfaced with digital and artistic communication systems, assist local communities, educational and research institutions
• •Interfacing oral heritage with digital and artistic communication systems, helps local communities and educational institutions, to harness complex and diversity of community value systems and practices, enriching the relevance of educational content by mitigating the disjuncture between learning and living for sustainable futures
  
  Leveraging the Digital and Artistic Knowledge of Youth including Graduates in Promoting the Role of Millets as an Indigenous Superfood in South Africa and India, for Holistic, Healthcare, Spiritual and Economic Wellbeing
  
  Develop inclusive digital and artistic environments including products and services to:
• •Enhance value addition on grassroots millet value chain innovations and entrepreneurships, including market visibility, product & service diversification
• •Increase knowledge & awareness among different stakeholders, on the nexus between cultural, linguistic, spiritual and economic imperatives in the millet value chain
  
  Integrating Digital Communication Systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Climate Action for Inclusive Gender, Environmental and Epistemic Justice
  
  Create science and community engagement platforms in local communities, educational and other institutions for sharing knowledge, skills and experiences on:
• •The ethical, social, and governance challenges on issues such as digital colonialism, bias in data, transparency, accountability, and privacy, impacting on the integration of digital technologies including AI, into indigenous knowledge systems for climate action
• •The potential for digital technologies, including AI applications, to interface with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), for inclusive and holistic solutions in climate action
  
  Leveraging Digital and Artistic Communication Systems, in Promoting the Intersection between Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gender, Green Entrepreneurship, Frugal Innovations, Environmental Health and Wellbeing for Sustainable Futures
• •Identification of local community cases demonstrating the intersection between Gender, Green Entrepreneurship, Frugal Innovations, Environmental Health and Wellbeing, for Sustainable Futures
• •Development of integrative digital and artistic frameworks for promoting the Intersection between Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gender, Green Entrepreneurship, Frugal Innovations, Environmental Health and Wellbeing, for Sustainable Futures, in line with UN SDGs 5 (Gender equality) and SDG 13 (Climate action)
• •Organising knowledge transfer/exchange platforms (workshops, symposia, etc.) involving diversity of stakeholders including AI systems' designers and developers, Indigenous knowledge holders and practitioners, graduates, from across racial, cultural, linguistic, gender and spiritual, educational backgrounds, on the role of Digital and Artistic Communication Systems, in promoting the Intersection between Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gender, Green Entrepreneurship, Frugal Innovations, Environmental Health and Wellbeing, for Sustainable Future

In spite of the increasing recognition regarding the role of women in IKS-based green entrepreneurship in African local communities, for promoting environmental health and well-being, there are still limited studies that detail the Intersection Between Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Gender and Green Entrepreneurship and Environmental Wellbeing for Sustainable Futures.

African women and girls, constitute the majority of subsistence farmers and caregivers in rural and other marginalized communities. They depend on their natural environment and local knowledge systems for sustainable community livelihood.

This aligns with the green entrepreneurship paradigm, which inculcates the values of business and enterprise, in harmony with equity and the environment, also known as ecopreneurship. In partnership with diverse stakeholders including local community knowledge holders, across cultural, linguistic and spiritual communities, this inclusive, multi and transdisciplinary research and community engagement project is meant to:

• •investigate the challenges and prospects of enhancing socio-economic prosperity in local communities and economies through advancing the IKS-based women green entrepreneurship paradigm
• •establish an integrative framework on "African women green entrepreneurship", as a pragmatic framework that foresees socio-environmental value creation particularly in line with two UN SDGs, SDG 5 (Gender equality) and SDG 13 (Climate action)
• •examine the prospects and challenges of integrating digital and artistic technologies in enriching the intersection between indigenous knowledge systems, gender, green entrepreneurship, and environmental wellbeing for sustainable futures

As the world is becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact of climate change, millets in their diversity, as super food crops, in terms of nutrition and climate change resilience, are gaining attention as "future superfood crops". India and Africa, including South Africa, are world producers of millets. The prominence of maize, rice and wheat in contemporary African and Indian food cultures, has marginalized millets, derogatorily referred to as the "poor man's grain and listed as a neglected and underutilized crop species;

Many people in India and most African countries, have lost the tradition of producing and consuming millets, which are predominantly grown by women. As a result of this marginalization, there has been limited initiatives in both Africa and India, for sharing comparative knowledge and awareness on technologies, innovation and experiences associated with the diverse food cultures and traditions, associated with millets;

This project initiative on Promoting India-Africa Millets Relations for Holistic Healthcare, Spiritual and Economic Wellbeing, is a joint collaboration between the Indian Consulate General in Durban, South Africa, and the African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS) with its hub at UKZN. The project initiative is meant to:

• •Explore and promote biocultural and spiritual significance of Millets, (knowledge, technology, and value systems) through cultural and spiritual exhibitions
• •Enhance seed and information exchanges, demonstrations and discussions, and sharing of learnings and millet recipes
• •Organize an India-Africa millets Colloquium to interrogate the prospects and challenges of promoting India-Africa millets relations for holistic health and wellbeing
• •Organize India-Africa cross-cultural mobility programmes for state actors (including diplomats) and non-state actors (students, researchers, grassroots practitioners in traditional medicine, healing and food systems, artists, etc.) to share knowledge, skills and experiences as part of advancing the Millets relations

Democracy, Governance and Leadership in Africa: Tapping on The Wisdom and Lived Experiences of Former African Heads of State and Government Through Intergenerational Dialogues

The initiative is meant to create viable inclusive platforms for promoting the role of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in intergenerational diagnosis of problems facing communities and social groups through combining the wisdom and experience of elders such as the former African heads of state and government, with the vitality and innovation of the youth. This is meant to co-create powerful solutions for sustainable futures in global challenges such peace and security, good governance and climate action for active interactive engagements with diverse civil society organizations including women as the custodians of ICH including indigenous knowledge systems.

Teaching and Learning African Indigenous Languages Using Other Indigenous Languages: A Paradigm Shift in Cultural and Economic Relations

Grassroots communities, within and outside Africa, have for centuries been using indigenous multilingualism in social practices including business, the arts, entertainment, spirituality and religion, etc., as intangible cultural heritage (ICH) resources and practices within the context of cultural and economic relations. This initiative on promoting indigenous languages, especially multilingualism as repositories of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) including knowledge systems, through teaching and learning, provides opportunities for indigenous cultures and languages to restore the dignity of indigenous cultures, languages and knowledge systems in the global knowledge economy. For instance, Africa is the only continent, where formal education systems are taught in foreign languages and the promotion of sustainable development is based on foreign philosophies. This has undermined the contribution of African indigenous languages and home-grown philosophies as repositories of science, technology and innovation, social and political thought in transformation of formal education systems and sustainable development.

Partnership With Spiritual and Religious Leadership in Advancing Inclusive Place-Based BioCultural, Linguistic and Spiritual-Religious Tourism for Sustainable Community Livelihood:

• •The initiative in promoting inclusive place-based biocultural, linguistic and spiritual-religious tourism for sustainable community livelihood, especially in African local communities, is based on the recognition that the movement of people to spiritual and religious sites, around the world, has been part of humanity since ancient times
• •Partnership with spiritual and religious leadership including local community members in mapping the spiritual and religious sites and practices, contributes to building active citizenry in making religious and spiritual tourism a significant part of local, national, regional and international tourism. The African tourism industry has not adequately leveraged on the continent's rich historical diversity of spiritual and religious heritage sites to mobilize, develop and promote this niche segment of the tourism industry for sustainable community livelihood and development
• •As a result of colonial history and international migration, African local communities are characterised by rich historical diversity of spiritual and religious ICH which have not been adequately exploited for advancing inclusive place-based cultural and spiritual-religious tourism for sustainable community livelihood. This also involves leveraging the support and partnership of the traditional leadership and other stakeholders as custodians of local spiritual and religious resources

Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Digital Technologies in Africa's Climate Systems Just Transition

The integration of indigenous knowledge systems and digital technologies including AI in Africa's climate systems just transition, is tends to not fully understand how these technologies can support and enhance the preservation and application of indigenous knowledge systems for climate adaptation and mitigation, and how they can contribute to a just and equitable transition.

The thematic area explores what are the: (i) perceived benefits and challenges are of using digital technologies including AI to support indigenous and local knowledge systems; (ii) priorities for integrating indigenous and local knowledge systems into climate policies and practices; (iii) types of indigenous knowledge systems relevant to climate systems, including traditional agricultural practices, water management techniques, and climate monitoring methods and how digital technologies can be leveraged in these community-based climate-related activities, including data collection, analysis, and communication. The project will require partnership with diverse stakeholders including local community knowledge holders, across cultural, linguistic and spiritual communities, as part of an inclusive, multi and transdisciplinary research and community engagement project

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Digital Technologies Including AI in Africa's Indigenous Food Systems Just Transition

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) and digital technologies including AI in Africa's indigenous food systems just transition, focuses on understanding the role of AIKS in inclusive sustainable food systems, the use of digital technologies including AI for preserving and disseminating this knowledge system, and the challenges and opportunities for a just transition.

The key areas of focus include: (i) indigenous knowledge practices that contribute to food security and resilience; (ii) challenges and opportunities for integrating indigenous knowledge and digital technologies in food systems just transition; (iii) digital technologies access and cultural relevance/ appropriateness for local community farmers and other food systems stakeholders

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Green Economy Just Transition in Africa

Countries across Africa face social and economic challenges from droughts, heat waves, floods and rising sea levels that are threatening low-lying coastal cities and villages. In this environment, supporting economic growth while accelerating a sustainable green transition has become even more challenging. A survey focusing on indigenous and local knowledge systems in Africa's green economy just transition explores how traditional and local community-based knowledge systems and practices can inform sustainable development and climate action, ensuring a fair and equitable transition for all, particularly vulnerable communities.

The key factors to be considered in the research include: (i) importance of Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems (IKS) green economy just transition in Africa; (ii) explore traditional and local knowledge systems related to resource utilization and conservation; (iii) nexus of IKS in social and economic dimensions; (iv) assessing the role of indigenous and local communities in decision-making processes related to climate action and green economy

Digital Technologies In Promoting African Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Climate Finance Just Transition

The intersection of Digital Technologies (DT), Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), and Climate Finance is crucial for achieving a Just Transition in Africa. Climate finance mechanisms often overlook Indigenous and local knowledge, and digital innovations present new opportunities for making financing more inclusive. This research agenda explores how African digital technologies and Indigenous Knowledge Systems can support equitable climate finance while addressing social, economic, and environmental justice

As Africa grapples with the impacts of climate change, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) offer unique solutions for achieving a Just Transition in climate finance. While AI presents opportunities for enhancing climate finance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, it also introduces ethical challenges, including biases that may marginalize Indigenous and local knowledge systems. AI, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), and climate finance are crucial for a just transition, with AI optimizing energy systems, IKS informing local adaptation, and climate finance supporting equitable transitions, particularly in Africa. These elements are intertwined whereby, AI can serve as a catalyst for a just transition in the context of climate finance

African Indigenous Knowledge and Digital Technologies including AI in Citizen Governance Just Transition

African indigenous knowledge systems (AIKS), digital technologies including AI, and citizen governance in the context of a just transition in Africa, needs to focus on understanding how these elements interact and inform citizen participation in decision-making, resource management, and climate action, while also considering the unique challenges and opportunities in different African contexts.

The key areas to of this project include: (i) acknowledging the diverse realities of African countries, including varying levels of development, political systems, and socio-economic conditions; (ii) the role of digital technologies in facilitating citizen participation, accessing information, and promoting sustainable practices; (iii) local communities' experiences with climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events or resource scarcity, including their views on climate policies and actions, and how they perceive their own role in addressing climate change; (iv) level of access and use of digital technologies to promote IKS-based climate action and resilience; (v) benefits and challenges of using digital technologies for citizen governance and sustainable development

African Languages and Digital Technologies in Citizen Governance Just Transition

African languages, digital technologies including AI, and citizen governance in the context of a just transition in Africa, focuses on understanding citizen perceptions, needs, and experiences with technology, language access, and their role in governance, while considering the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation.

The key elements for consideration include: (i) perceptions and experiences of local communities as citizens regarding the use of digital technologies in governance; (ii) understanding how language preferences and access to information in African languages impact citizen engagement in governance processes; (iii) benefits and challenges of using digital technologies in a just transition context, particularly for marginalized communities; (iv) assessing the availability and affordability of digital technologies and language policies that promote inclusive and participatory governance; (v) Use of African languages in government communication, public services, and digital platforms to promote citizen engagement in governance processes, including e-participation platforms and online consultations; (vi) ascertain how digital technologies contributes to just transition, particularly in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Climate Action Just Transition In Africa

Africa's transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future must be just and inclusive, recognizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) as a critical component of climate action. Indigenous and local knowledge has long contributed to sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation, yet it is often overlooked in formal climate policies and financing frameworks. Climate action just transitions in Africa, based on IKS holds immense value, offering insights into local climate patterns, resource management, and adaptation strategies, which can be crucial for building resilience and promoting sustainable development. In the context of climate action and just transitions, digital technologies and IKS can be powerful allies, offering solutions for monitoring, mitigating, and adapting to climate change impacts, while also respecting local cultures and knowledge systems. Artificial intelligence can also be a powerful tool. However, it must be used ethically and in conjunction with indigenous and local knowledge systems to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions. This means prioritizing local context, data relevance, social and cultural fit, and local ownership of AI solutions.

Harmonizing African Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Ubuntu, And Digital Technologies For A Just Transition In Africa

Africa's just transition toward a sustainable and inclusive future must be grounded in the continent's rich Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and cultural philosophies, notably Ubuntu. As digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshape the global development landscape integrating these emerging tools with African indigenous epistemologies becomes vital for community-centred, ethical, and culturally relevant development. This research project is meant to explore the synergies between IKS, Ubuntu, and digital innovation to create a uniquely African pathway for sustainable development, equity, and resilience in the face of climate change and social-economic transformation. The core considerations include: (i) cultural relevance and sustainability as IKS has long sustained African communities through practices of environmental stewardship, traditional agriculture, conflict resolution, and community governance; (ii) leveraging on Ubuntu principles as an ethical framework for emerging AI technologies that is centred on human dignity, interconnectedness, and collective responsibility; (iii) mitigating the epistemological disjuncture by humanising digital tools and reflect African values, languages, and problem-solving strategies. This research project agenda promotes innovation through inclusion as it integrates local knowledge and digital technologies for new potentialities in climate action, food security, education, and inclusive economic development

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Inclusive And Sustainable Development Just Transition

Africa's Just Transition towards sustainable development must be inclusive, equitable, and culturally grounded. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)—deeply rooted in Africa's diverse traditions, practices, and governance structures—offer invaluable insights for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, food security, and economic sustainability. However, IKS often remains marginalized in formal development policies. The promotion of IKS-based approaches to sustainable development in just transition, are crucial for building resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound futures, as it offers valuable insights into resource management, climate adaptation, and community well-being, while also promoting decolonization and self-determination. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies presents new opportunities and risks for integrating IKS into sustainable development frameworks. This research agenda explores the role of IKS in shaping a Just Transition, the synergies between AI and IKS, and the challenges and opportunities for ensuring that local knowledge systems drive sustainable, inclusive development in Africa