Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the 21st Century - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798337379777

Publisher: Information Science Reference, 2026

Synopsis

Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, strengthening community resilience, and preserving cultural identity, yet it has long been marginalized by dominant global systems. Revitalizing and protecting this knowledge helps address modern challenges such as climate change, public health needs, equitable development, and more by drawing on place-based experience accumulated across generations. Integrating traditional practices with scientific methods and emerging technologies can create more sustainable, community-driven solutions while safeguarding cultural heritage. Efforts to validate and preserve indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) also challenge colonial legacies and promote greater respect for diverse worldviews, ultimately contributing to social justice and inclusive innovation. Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the 21st Century reclaims and recognizes the value of IKS in the 21st century by examining their significance, promoting their restoration, and highlighting their integration with contemporary issues and disciplines. It further fosters recognition and integration of IKS in various sectors, such as health, education, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. Covering topics such as community-affixed curricula, knowledge autonomy, and urban heritage protection, this book is an excellent resource for academicians, postgraduate students, policymakers, practitioners, cultural institutions, and more.

About this title

About the Authors

Monicca Thulisile Bhuda is an indigenous scholar, editor, children's author, multi award winning academic, research fellow awardee and Indigenous Knowledge Systems expert. At the University of Mpumalanga, Dr. Bhuda coordinates a course on African identities and lectures on culture and heritage studies. She graduated from North-West University with a Bachelor's degree (hons) in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (with distinction), a Master's degree also in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (with distinction) and a PhD in Social Sciences with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). She has been featured on numerous media platforms such as TV, Radio, Magazines and Newspapers that were based on her interests as an indigenous scholar and expertise in the Indigenous Knowledge Systems discipline. She has also published over 40 academic works in accredited journals, including books indexed with SCOPUS. Her research is on various subjects related to Indigenous Knowledge Systems, which is multidisciplinary in nature.

Tebogo Maria Mothiba is a distinguished academic and research leader who, as of late 2025, serves as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, and as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Limpopo. Her work centers on health service management and the management of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, with extensive experience both as an academic and a registered nurse. Professor Mothiba holds a PhD in Health Service Management from the University of Johannesburg and an MCur from the University of Limpopo. She began her university career in 2006, rising to professorship in 2014, and was promoted through multiple leadership roles including Faculty Research Professor and Executive Dean. She is recognized as a South African National Research Foundation (NRF) C3-rated researcher and has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and nine book chapters. Her research encompasses healthcare management, indigenous health practices, maternal and child health, and digital health innovations.

Edition details

• Publisher: Information Science Reference
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798337379777
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 538
• Editor: Bhuda Monicca Thulisile, Mothiba Tebogo Maria