African Traditional Knowledge Systems Management: The Struggle between Science and Tradition
The IUP Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. IX, No. 4, October 2011, pp. 7-26
Posted: 15 Jul 2012
Date Written: July 13, 2012
Abstract
The management of African traditional knowledge systems is confronted with various issues. Complexities arise by treating traditional knowledge systems as rigid without taking into consideration cultural experiences, epistemologies and empiricisms of thousands of disparate cultures. Much of African culture and education is based on the emergence of knowledge about its people which include scientific inventions and artistic creations. The two major issues that continue to surface while reviewing traditional knowledge systems and its proper management are the lack of recognition within the formal structure and the failure of the formal structure to recognize the intellectual property rights of traditional people in Africa. This paper examines traditional knowledge systems and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Keywords: Knowledge management, Tradition, Science, Inventions, Patents, Copyright, Intellectual property rights, Africa, Culture, Folklore, Traditional knowledge
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