CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (CEFIKS), Inc.
Introduction Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) refer to the complex set of knowledge, skills and technologies existing and developed around specific conditions of populations and communities indigenous to a particular geographic area. IKS constitute the knowledge that people in a given community have developed over time, and continue to develop. It is the basis for agriculture, food preparation, health care, education and training, environmental conservation, and a host of other activities. Indigenous knowledge is embedded in community practices, institutions, relationships and rituals. Herbal medicine is a good example of indigenous knowledge, which has affected the lives of people worldwide.
Indigenous knowledge provides the basis for problem-solving strategies for local communities. It represents an important component of global knowledge of development issues. It is often an under-utilized resource in the development process. A key reason for the under-utilization of indigenous knowledge in the development process is the lack of guidelines for recording, codifying and applying such knowledge An understanding is required of indigenous knowledge and its role in community life from an integrated perspective that includes both spiritual and material aspects of a society as well as the complex relation between them. At the same time, it is necessary to understand and to explore the potential contribution of indigenous knowledge to local and national development. It is also necessary to protect, preserve and utilize indigenous knowledge to benefit its owners and the communities where it is practiced. And that such protection, preservation and utilization process requires carefully thought-out research and deliberate effort.
Centre For Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CEFIKS) There is, therefore, a strong need for an organization devoted solely to the research, monitoring, documentation, and coordination of indigenous knowledge systems in Ghana. The Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CEFIKS) was established in the year 2000 to fulfill this need. The Centre is based in Accra and has affiliates in the USA, and local communities in Ghana.
The primary focus of CEFIKS is to
1.record, preserve and disseminate information about indigenous knowledge systems.
2.serve as a clearinghouse ofindigenous knowledge systems from various communities within and without Ghana.
3.support and advocate the use of indigenous knowledge systems in the socio-economic development process in Ghana and the region of West Africa.
The CEFIKS’ activities and current programmes are based on, but not limited to the following:
·Collection, Documentation, and Dissemination Indigenous knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth will cease to exist unless it is formally documented and preserved. Documentation also facilitates easy access to indigenous knowledge so that those interested could familiarize themselves with it. CEFIKS is to act as a clearinghouse for collecting, documenting, preserving and disseminating information on indigenous knowledge systems of various communities in Ghana. CEFIKS will publicize IK activities and services through publications (print and electronic), exhibitions, workshops, conferences and seminars.
·Education, Training, and Capacity Building CEFIKS will strengthen and consolidate IK training resources, and will provide training and technical assistance to practitioners, developers and researchers.CEFIKS will develop and conduct education and training programmes and design curriculum materials on indigenous knowledge for inclusion in the curricula of formal schools and for use by extension and other development workers.
·Research and Development: CEFIKS will
conduct inter-disciplinary research on indigenous knowledge systems,
initiate a long-term efforts to promote and utilise indigenous knowledge for social, economic, cultural and educational development in Ghana, and
conduct research on the transfer of indigenous knowledge and innovations from one area to another within and without Ghana.
