Commentary on African Voices

This brief commentary will discuss the notion of ‘African Knowledge for African Problems.’ A heavy western emphasis remains in discourse concerning Africa’s water and food security. Reflecting on the academics, fellow blog writers and media used in my blog posts, the majority come from white, European or Anglophone authors.

Watch this TED talk by Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu where she discusses the need to acknowledge African traditional knowledge in particular for development, agriculture and policy-making.

Acknowledge of local subsistence farmers is critical. A one size fits all approach, implemented by external nationals and NGOs are ineffective and success stories are limited and even have had adverse consequences; efficiency and cost levels are hindered. 

Local, indigenous knowledge should be employed in approaches when tackling water and food issues.  The term Africa as a collective is contentious as African nations cannot be grouped under one umbrella term as they are all different, ‘Africa’ is limiting. It is as I write this that I realise a lack of community or locally led case study projects in my blog and would like to note that a personal critique that I would amend if I were to write this blog again.