Oral Traditions as Historical Sources in Burkina Faso's Southern African Communities

Oral traditions play a significant role in cultural identity and historical documentation among Southern African communities in Burkina Faso. This study employs a qualitative approach to explore oral narratives and their implications in shaping community histories, supplemented by interviews with traditional storytellers and archival research. Oral traditions reveal consistent themes regarding historical events, cultural practices, and leadership succession, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the region’s history. The integration of oral tradition data enhances policy development by providing authentic local perspectives that are often overlooked in official records. Policy-makers should prioritise incorporating indigenous knowledge systems, particularly oral traditions, into historical documentation and educational curricula to ensure comprehensive community histories.