Indigenous Scientific Knowledge and Sustainable Development in Ghana: An Overview

Abstract

The paper sha res the view that current development has failed to be sustainable hence the new view of development, which is termed sustainable development. Various definitions of sustainable development and indigenous knowledge are given. It is argued that indigenous knowledge is knowledge passed on from generation to generation, usually by word of mouth and cultural rituals, and has been the basis for agriculture, food preparation, healthcare, education, conservation and the wide range of other activities that sustain a society and its environment in many parts of the world for many centuries. An overview of how indigenous scientific knowledge in the field of agriculture, agroforestry, medical practice in Ghana over the years to promote sustainable development is given. It concludes with the suggestion that there should be intensive research; documentation and dissemination of indigenous scientific knowledge to ensure that such knowledge is not lost and also to be the basis of technological development.