ENHANCING INDUSTRIALIZATION IN AFRICA THROUGH INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY

Otuu J.B.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Afikpo, Ebonyi State

Email: johnotuu@gmail.com

Abstract

One fundamental problem responsible for the technological backwardness of West Africa and indeed the whole of Africa is the inability of governments, stakeholders and peoples of the region to explore indigenous viable opportunities. A key answer to this problem lies in according indigenous technology the attention and pride of place it deserves. The feeling of a people in respect of their culture and tradition which define their identity and station in global events propels their desire for development. When a people’s indigenous knowledge, experiences, precepts, traditions and history are thrown off in favour of foreign ones, it beclouds and endangers the people’s corporate survival and identity. Indigenous technology, viewed against the backdrop of technology, is not a new concept. The paper therefore, looks at the concepts of indigenous knowledge and indigenous technology. The characteristics of indigenous knowledge and technology are considered. The paper also looks at the threats to indigenous technology and knowledge. It outlines the developmental opportunities offered by indigenous technology for West Africa in particular and Africa as a whole. Finally, the paper discusses ways of enhancing indigenous knowledge and technology.

Keywords: Indigenous Language, Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Technology, Industrialization, Technology