Information and Communication Technology Tools for Managing Indigenous Knowledge in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Abstract

This article addresses the use and the types of information and communication technology (1CT) tools that are currently used in the management of indigenous knowledge (IK) in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The theoretical basis of the study was informed by the Knowledge Creation theory (KC) proposed by Ikujiro Nonaka. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm to enable multiple perspectives by using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A total of 96 copies of the questionnaire designed for this study were administered to ICT users/ beneficiaries; 57 (59%) were returned. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the owners or custodians of IK. Fully, 224 owners or custodians of IK were sampled, while 196 (88%) were interviewed. The study acknowledged the wealth, access to and use of indigenous knowledge in the province. The study found that the advent of ICT tools provides a good platform for managing indigenous knowledge. It was found that a number of tools are currently used to manage indigenous knowledge. However, the number of challenges facing the use of ICTs is not uniform between ICT users/beneficiaries and owners or custodians of IK. Most crucial among ICT users/beneficiaries and owners or custodians of IK was the aspect of access to relevant ICT infrastructure and resources and a lack of digital skills. This study contributes to the current literature and discourse on IKS; it interrogates the applicability and models of knowledge creation theory to IK research; it adds fresh data, information and knowledge on IK research, particularly in South Africa; it proposes practical solutions to problems of ICT application for IK development.

Keywords: Information and Communication Technology, ICT Tools, Indigenous Knowledge, KwaZulu Natal