Research
All researchers involved in research projects networked and coordinated by CEFIKS are designated Associates of the Centre. In other instances, where and when funds are available, CEFIKS may grant fellowships to individual researchers it deems fit to be accorded such status for periods of up to 2 years in each case. Circumstances permitting, such fellowships can be renewed once. Fellowships will only be granted in cases where specific project funds are available or can be raised.
Post-Graduate researchers and visiting researchers with independent means who wish to undertake research in Ghana and the West African region as part of their post-graduate studies or for other purposes, can be accorded Associateship of the Centre provided they have their own research funding.
In these and similar instances, all costs of such attachment will be borne by the Associate. CEFIKS may provide desk-space and limited administrative assistance to such researchers. CEFIKS will facilitate the acquisition of research funding where possible.
Areas of research of CEFIKS include but not limited to the following:
1. Reference Works
This focus area deals with the compilation of various reference works (e.g., dictionaries, bibliographies, etc) that will facilitate research in indigenous knowledge systems. We have started work on Mfantse (Akan) dictionary - a sample entry of the dictionary is provided here.
2. The indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous technology
This research focus will consist of basic research to expound on the fundamental philosophy of IKS, to enhance our understanding of it, as means to accord it protection and to raise its social value and status as a system of knowledge. Central to this focus will be the creation of the necessary intellectual space and capacity for the development of conceptual and analytical framework for IKS in Ghana. Research in this focus area will deal with issues of origin/production, utilization, transmission, evolution, and preservation of IKS.
3. Traditional Medicine and Indigenous Health Systems
Ghana has an extremely rich bio-diversity, which ha remained largely unexplored. Coupled with that is extensive indigenous knowledge relating to the use of herbs and plants, on one hand, and animal products, on the other, for the treatment of disease. The focus in this research area will seek to bring this knowledge to the fore in order to investigate its potential use and integration into modern medicine and to potentially reap socio-economic benefit for the communities where such knowledge resides. At the heart of this research focus will be indigenous medicine and pharmacology, encompassing human health and indigenous medicine, maternal and child health, sexual health and disease, and veterinary medicine and animal health. Research projects in this area will as far as possible, have to integrate the following elements: indigenous taxonomy and systematics; chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical studies; and most importantly, the socio-cultural context of the medicinal and health systems.
4. Built Forms and Architecture
What lessons and concepts can be derived from indigenous built environment to areas of spatial planning, housing, infrastructure development, and rural development in contemporary situations. Land resource management, social context of house building, and the management of the environment.
5. Indigenous Food Systems
The focus in this research area will be on indigenous methods and systems of dealing with food supply such as preservation, processing and production, as well as value addition through other approaches and the use of modern (bio-) technology. Here is an example of research we are conducting with regards to food in Ghana.
6. Performing Arts
7. Socio-cultural Systems
This research area will deal with the contrasts, impacts (historical and current) and dynamics of the modernity versus traditionalism divide. The main focus of research in this section will be on the delineation of indigenous socio-cultural systems, for example, ethical and legal systems; education, training and learning systems; economic systems; conflict management and conflict prevention systems; religion and culture; indigenous notions of science, mathematics, and technology; impact of modern technologies (and the cultural homogenization they bring) and how indigenous communities are resolving and/or balancing these issues; as well as the interface between these and other systems of knowledge.
- Political Beliefs and Political Organization - see for example, Akan Political Beliefs
- Social Values, Ethics and Legal Systems
- Plural Legal Systems
The existing plural legal system in Ghana stems from the various customary laws and colonial legacy. There is a variety of ethnic and linguistic groups. Customary law differs from community to community, e.g. as to marriage (customary marriage, marriage under the Ordinance, or under Islamic law); property and inheritance; land tenure systems; and biodiversity use.
- Education and Training, Apprenticeship
- Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution
- Kinship systems - see for example Akan Political Organization
- Spirituality
8. Arts, Crafts and Materials
The goal of this research thrust will be to create space for the systematic examination (within holistic research and scholastic framework) of the socio-cultural context of indigenous arts and crafts and related matters such as gender roles and relations (with respect to usage patterns, rights, perceptions); and materials acquisition, development, innovation, transfer, composition, usage, design and sustainable utilization. Examples of arts, crafts and materials to be covered by research in this section will include, but not limited to:
(i) The indigenous Textile industry in Ghana
The focus of research in this category will be on the review of the knowledge and skills in the areas of
(ii) Pottery Techniques
- Clay types
- Kilns and firing techniques
- Types and uses of pottery
- Rituals associated with pottery
(iii) Wood carving (See sample pictures in our picture gallery)
- Stools
- Staff and walking sticks
- Doors
- Sculptures and Murals
- Combs and dolls
(iv) Tools and equipment
Metallurgy
- Smelting technologies – rituals associated with smelting
- Indigenous mining techniques
- Symbolic aspects of metallurgy: gold weights and jewelry
Wooden tools and wood implements
(v) Beads, Hairstyles, and Perssonal Adornment
(vi) Basket weaving
(vii) Leather works (see sample picures in our picture gallery)
Our Documentation page provides links to several published items
