DIGITALISATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE OF AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES: A STRATEGY FOR FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA.

Local communities in Africa have used indigenous knowledge (IK) for centuries in agricultural productivity, preservation of food, and conservation of resources such as water. Using IK, communities have been able to ensure sustainable agriculture productivity and local food security. However, due to a range of intricate and intertwined factors, IK of agricultural practices is rapidly eroding and disappearing. One of the factors is a lack of IK documentation for preservation. This paper explores the use of digital technologies to preserve and disseminate IK of agricultural practices, as well as identify potential barriers, using a systematic review methodology. The findings reveal that the management of IK of agriculture practices using digital technologies in Africa is still in its infancy. Several contextual barriers, such as the linguistic diversity of IK custodians across the continent, impede the process. The variety of communication methods and languages makes IK documentation difficult and costly. In the face of severe food insecurity exacerbated by a decline in agricultural productivity, the role of IK in improving and sustaining agricultural productivity cannot be overlooked. The preservation, dissemination, and use of IK as an adaptation strategy for addressing declining agricultural productivity and food insecurity should be prioritised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]