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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Globalisation and African cultural heritage erosion: implications for policy
Authors:Masoga, M.A.
Kaya, H.O.
Year:2008
Periodical:Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Volume:7
Issue:2
Pages:141-154
Language:English
Geographic terms:Africa
South Africa
Subjects:cultural heritage
cultural policy
indigenous knowledge
development
globalization
Abstract:Globalization has had both negative and positive impact on the development and preservation of cultural heritage in Africa. However, this article argues that African countries need not necessarily be disadvantaged by the unfolding globalization process if they adopt developmental policies that are rooted in their own cultural heritage, including African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). This is the result of the worldwide increasing realization that culture constitutes a fundamental dimension of the development process. It helps to strengthen the independence, sovereignty and identity of nations. Moreover, economic growth and development have frequently been conceived in quantitative terms, without taking into consideration their necessary qualitative dimensions, i.e. the satisfaction of man's spiritual and cultural aspirations. African scholars and heritage managers should push to make sustainable utilization of IKS for sustainable development the next global agenda after information technology. They need to maintain a delicate balance by thinking globally in an era when science and technology have shortened distance and united cultures, while at the same time stimulating the development of national and local agendas in relation to cultural and IKS policies. It is important that African countries first cooperate among themselves. This cooperation can only be meaningful if it begins with what is already there, i.e. in the form of existing traditions and customs, associated knowledge systems and technologies, arts and crafts. These indigenous cultural potentialities could be revived and adapted to the demands of present-day science and technology for sustainable development and local community livelihoods. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
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