The narrative that human advancement can only be framed under the aegis of western ken must be dismissed with contempt.
Throughout Zambia’s history, indigenous knowledges (sometimes
called Traditional Ecological Knowledge) have been responsible for the
development of many technologies and have substantially contributed to science.
Before you start disputing, remember that science is just
the pursuit of knowledge. Approaches to gathering that knowledge are usually culturally
relative and subjective. Indigenous science incorporates traditional knowledge
and technologies, while non-indigenous science is commonly recognized as
Western science. Together, they contribute substantially to modern science and
cannot be sequestered.
Tradition practices have played an inviolable and inalienable
role in people’s lives to solve problems and thrive in the face of challenges. From
the intricate basketry and woodworking commonly found at Luangwa Bridge of the Chikunda
people to the vibrant textiles and pottery of the Lundas and Tongas, Zambian
communities have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity and creativity. The famous Kabwata
Cultural Village, a showcase of indigenous architecture and craftsmanship,
testifies to the excellence of traditional construction, art, and history.
Having used the village as my classroom and laboratory in my
formative years and as my office in my current years, I can proudly say that indigenous
knowledge and technology is the last redoubt of humanity and sustainability that
is waning. Indigenous knowledge and technology can provide insight into management
and mitigation of environmental change, healthcare, agricultural practices,
social behaviour, economics and so much more. Traditional knowledge is used to
maintain resources necessary for survival.
My grandmother who never had the opportunity to attend
school had a simple yet effective use of indigenous knowledge. For example, for healthcare, she would often
rely on a traditional remedy called Ukufutikila (steam therapy) to
alleviate various ailments, and it would work wonders. Years later, I learned
through formal education that steam therapy has scientific benefits, including
relaxing the body's muscles, improving blood circulation, and stimulating the
release of endorphins (body's natural painkillers). Nordic countries repackaged
this practice and sold to the world as ‘sauna’.
When it came to treating Menso (conjunctivitis), my
grandmother would swear by salt water as the answer. Her approach may have been
unconventional, but it was effective.
In agriculture, this lady would use of natural pest control
methods like neem and chili which – as I later learned is crucial in developing
sustainable farming practices and ultimately soil fecundity and food security. She
would observe leaf budding on trees and other phenomena to correctly predict the
rainfall pattern and other environmental changes. The timing and intensity of
leaf budding can be used to predict the onset and duration of the rainy season.
Even leaf shapes, size and colour indicate an impending rainy or dry spell. This
is because for the El Nino – the cause of Zambia’s current drought –
causes stomata closure and reduced photosynthesis on tree leaves.
Moreover, my grandmother had a remarkable ability to predict
the weather. Whenever the skies were cloudy, she would predict that the nights
would be hot. I later learned in school that clouds produce a greenhouse
effect, trapping the earth's warmth, which is why deserts can be cold at night
despite being scorching hot during the day.
Why am I waffling about all this, you may ask?
First, its to pay homage to lady who was way ahead in time with
the unflinching usage of indigenous knowledge to make corrective and preventive
decisions. This surprisingly had a very small margin of error and over 90% confidence
level.
Second, it is to highlight how life was simpler and linear before
modernization. Our ancestors relied on traditional knowledge and natural
remedies to solve everyday problems. I've even seen a video of a tribe
performing successful brain surgery without conventional anesthesia or
equipment, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our forebears.
While modernization has brought many benefits, we must not
forget the wisdom and effectiveness of traditional practices. It is also
dangerous and fatuous for us to just use conjecture to dismiss these ideas. Elders
must display of noblesse oblige and relay the traditional knowledge and
technology to the young and youth, it is a debt they owe those who have gone
before them and the rich cultural heritage they bequeathed them. By embracing and
valorizing both traditional knowledge and modern science, we can individually
and collectively lead healthier, more sustainable lives.
