BODIJA JOURNAL | A Philosophico-Theologal Journal

This paper attempts to project the idea of African indigenous knowledge systems as a catalyst to solutions proffered to the enduring problem of development in Africa. African indigenous knowledge can be categorised into two: practical and theoretical. The focus of this paper is the practical elements of the indigenous knowledge system, which is closely connected with craft traditions, artisans, technology and other practices involved by indigenous people in finding a genuinely satisfactory solution to some problems. One distinctive feature of the practical aspect of the indigenous knowledge system is the trial and error method, which is characterised by repeated, varied and continued attempts until success is achieved. Interestingly, this is a method employed by Popper as a principal mode of acquiring knowledge. This paper argues that the trial and error method employed by Popper in his scientific enterprise has certain commonalities with the trial and error method associated with African indigenous scientific system. Therefore, both systems operate on the same epistemological platform. So, it would be a misconception to claim that indigenous knowledge is anti-science or pre-scientific. The paper submits that, in view of the similarities between scientific knowledge and the practical aspect of indigenous knowledge system, establishing the synergy between indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge would debunk other misconceptions about African indigenous knowledge practices in terms of its relevance to meeting present day needs and challenges and especially the realization of the sustainable development goals.

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