Vol. 2003 No. 1 (2003)

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Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into AI Development in West Africa

Chiweshe Moyo, University of Zimbabwe, Harare Nyoni Nyakwasha, Department of Data Science, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) Siziva Zvavaha, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) Gwenya Gweba, Great Zimbabwe University
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18778010
Published: May 5, 2003

Abstract

West Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, is witnessing an increasing interest in integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into Artificial Intelligence (AI) development frameworks. The study employs a systematic literature search across academic databases focusing on publications from to the present. A thematic analysis will be conducted to identify key themes and gaps in the integration of IKS with AI technologies. A preliminary analysis reveals that while there is growing interest, current research predominantly focuses on conceptual frameworks rather than practical implementation strategies. Specific examples include the successful incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge into climate modelling algorithms. Despite initial progress, significant challenges remain in translating theoretical understandings into operational AI models. The review identifies a need for more empirical studies and interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists and cultural experts. Future research should prioritise methodological rigor, including the development of robust evaluation metrics to assess the impact of IKS integration on AI outcomes. Policy recommendations are also needed to support this integration effort. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.

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How to Cite

Chiweshe Moyo, Nyoni Nyakwasha, Siziva Zvavaha, Gwenya Gweba (2003). Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into AI Development in West Africa. African Journal of Digital Humanities, Vol. 2003 No. 1 (2003). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18778010

Keywords

Sub-SaharanAIIndigenous Knowledge SystemsEthnobotanyMultilingualismCultural SensitivityData Collection Strategies

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Vol. 2003 No. 1 (2003)
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African Journal of Digital Humanities

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