Abstract
This chapter interrogates the nexus between indigenous knowledge (IK), disaster risk management (DRM) and sustainable development. The central argument is that IK has been internalised by local communities over millennia for DRM with enormous potential to inform the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although IK has been time-tested and shown to be effective in mitigating community vulnerability to disaster risks, its application to contemporary DRM frameworks has been dismally insufficient in developing countries. This has implications for achieving the SDGs. Through an analysis of the relationship between IK, DRM, and the SDGs from various perspectives, this chapter has established that IK is a valued model of endurance in the history of DRM that contributes to achieving the SDGs. With this realisation, the chapter argues for the need to integrate IK with modern and/or scientific technology for optimal DRM performance, which will also accelerate accomplishing the SDGs. Hence, mainstreaming IK into DRM strategies to tackle the growing disaster risks in developing countries will also address impediments to achieving the SDGs. Arguably, this will be most beneficial to local communities that suffer the most from disaster risks and face the greatest challenges in achieving the SDGs. This chapter enhances knowledge on the relationship between IK, DRM and the SDGs and also contributes to literature in the field. Nevertheless, more research is required to better understand how merging indigenous and modern/scientific DRM approaches can be more beneficial to sustainable development particularly in local communities.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
ARPDRR (African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction). (2021). Declaration of the seventh high-level meeting on disaster risk reduction. IGAD/AU/UNDRR. Accessed January 03, 2022 from https://afrp.undrr.org/sites/default/files/2021-11/ADOPTED-2021%20AfRP_Nairobi%20Declaration_2.pdf
Arunotai, N. (2008). Saved by an old legend and a keen observation: The case of Moken sea nomads in Thailand. In R. Shaw, N. Uy, & J. Baumwoli (Eds.), Indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction: Good practices and lessons learnt from the Asia-Pacific region (pp. 73–78). UNISDR Asia and Pacific.
Awinia, C. (2020). The sociology of intra-African pastoralist migration: The case of Tanzania. Frontiers in Sociology, 5, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2020.518797
Balgah, R., Bang, H., & Fondo, S. (2019). Drivers for coping with flood hazards: Beyond the analysis of single cases. Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 11(1), a678. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v11i1.678
Bang, H. (2021). A gap analysis of the legislative, policy, institutional and crises management frameworks for disaster risk management in Cameroon. Progress in Disaster Sciences, 11, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2021.100190
Bang, H., Miles, L., & Gordon, R. (2019). Evaluating local vulnerability and organisational resilience to frequent flooding in Africa: The case of Northern Cameroon. Foresight, 21(2), 266–284. https://doi.org/10.5897/JASD2018.0510
Berman, R., Quinn, C., & Paavola, J. (2014). Identifying drivers of household coping strategies to multiple climatic hazards in Western Uganda: Implications for adapting to future climate change. Climate and Development, 7(1), 71–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2014.902355
Beshah, M., Pekka, E., & Katko, T. (2016). Indigenous practices of water management for sustainable services: Case of Borana and Konso, Ethiopia. Sage Open, 6(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244016682292
Canavas, C. (2014). Public awareness and safeguarding traditional knowledge: Challenges and conflicts in preserving and representing kārīz/kănérjĭng in Xinjiang, PR China. Water Science & Technology: Water Supply, 14, 758–765.
Dar, M., & Ahmad, S. (2015). Traditional earthquake resistant systems of Kashmir. International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research, 2(2), 86–92. https://www.academia.edu/11475871/Traditional_Earthquake_Resistant_Systems_of_Kashmir
Domfeh, K. (2007). Indigenous knowledge systems and the need for policy and institutional reforms. http://www.krepublishers.com/06-Special%20Volume-Journal/S-T%20&%20T-00-Special%20Volumes/T%20&%20T-SV-01-Africa-Web/T%20&%20T-SV-01-05-041-07-Domfes-K-A/T%20&%20T-SI-05-041-07-Domfes-K-A-Tt.pdf
FAO. (2020). Global forest resource assessment 2020 report, Namibia. Accessed December 21, 2021 from https://www.fao.org/3/cb0038en/cb0038en.pdf
Ferrand, A., & Cecunjanin, F. (2014). Potential of rainwater harvesting in a thirsty world: A survey of ancient and traditional rainwater harvesting applications. Geography Compass, 8, 395–413.
Fryling, M., Johnston, C., & Hayes, L. (2011). Understanding observational learning: An Interbehavioral approach. Analysis of Verbal Behaviour, 27(1), 191–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393102
Gaillard, J., & Mercer, J. (2012). From knowledge to action: Bridging gaps in disaster risk reduction. Progress in Human Geography, 37(1), 93–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132512446717
Grenier, L. (1998). Working with indigenous knowledge: A guide for researchers. International Development Centre.
Haque, M. (2019). Indigenous knowledge and practices in disaster management: Experiences of the coastal people of Bangladesh. In Z. Bupinder, A. Akbaruddin, & B. Ananda (Eds.). Disaster Risk Reduction: Community Resilience and Response. Palgrave-McMillan.
Haque, M. (2013). Indigenous knowledge and practices in disaster management, ELCOP Yearbook of Human Rights, ELCOP, Dhaka.
IFAD. (2019). Partnering with indigenous peoples for the SDGs. https://www.ifad.org/documents/38714170/41390728/policybrief_indigenous_sdg.pdf/e294b690-b26c-994c-550c-076d15190100
IIoka, G. (2016). Indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction: An African perspective. Jamba: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 8(1), a272. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v8i1.272
Jigyasu, R. (2020). Harnessing the knowledge of indigenous communities for disaster risk reduction. Accessed December 15, 2021 from https://www.preventionweb.net/blog/harnessing-knowledge-indigenous-communities-drr
Johnson, M. (1992). Lore: Capturing traditional environmental knowledge. IDRC.
Langill, S. (1999). Indigenous knowledge: A resource kit for sustainable development researchers in dryland Africa, People, land and Water Program Initiative. IDRC.
Mafongoya, O., Mafonyoga, P., & Mudhara, M. (2021). Using indigenous knowledge systems in seasonal prediction and adapting to climate change impacts in Bikita District in Zimbabwe. The Oriental Anthropologist, 21(1), 195–209. https://doi.org/10.1177/0972558X21997662
Meyers, K., & Watson, P. (2008). Legend, ritual, and architecture on the ring of fire. In R. Shaw, N. Uy, & J. Baumwoli (Eds.), Indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction: Good practices and lessons learnt from the Asia-Pacific region (pp. 17–22). UNISDR Asia and Pacific.
Mohsen, T.-J.T.H. (2013). Review of ancient wisdom of Qanat, and suggestions for future water management. Environmental Engineering Research, 18, 57–63.
Mondal, S. (2012). Disaster management through indigenous wisdom: voice from the people of Erendabari Char. Journal of South Asian Disaster Studies, 5(1–2). Accessed December 22, 2021 from https://www.preventionweb.net/files/46551_46551disastermanagementthroughindig.pdf
Morse, B., Carman, J., & Zint, M. (2019). Fostering environmental behaviors through observational learning. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(10), 1530–1552. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1647219
Nyong, A., Adesina, F., & Osman, E. (2007). The value of indigenous knowledge in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in the African Sahel. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 5, 787–797. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-9099-0
Oba, G. (2013). Nomads in the shadows of empires: contests, conflicts and legacies on the southern Ethiopian-northern Kenyan frontier, Brill, Leiden.
Okonya, S., & Kroschel, J. (2013). Indigenous knowledge of seasonal weather forecasting: A case study in six regions of Uganda. Agricultural Sciences, 4(12), 641–648. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2013.412086
Petzold, J., Nadine, A., Ford, J. D., Hedemann, C., & Postigo, J. (2020). Indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation: a global evidence map of academic literature. Environmental Research Letters, 15(11), 1–17.https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abb330
Ranasinghe, P. (2008) Preservation and provision of access to indigenous knowledge in Sri Lanka. World library and information congress: 74th IFLA general conference and council 10–14 August 2008, Québec, Canada. Accessed December 22, 2021 from https://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/106-Ranasinghe-en.pdf
Rist, S., & Dahdouh-Guebas, F. (2006). Ethnosciences—A step towards the integration of scientific and indigenous forms of knowledge in the management of natural resources for the future. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 8(4), 467–493. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v8i1.272
Sharma, A., & Joshi, M. (2008). Indigenous knowledge and modern science give environment friendly shelter solution in flood affected desert region of India. In R. Shaw, N. Uy, & J. Baumwoli (Eds.), Indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction: Good practices and lessons learnt from the Asia-Pacific region (pp. 09–13). UNISDR Asia and Pacific.
Shaw, R., Takeuchi, Y., & Uy, N. (2009). Indigenous knowledge, disaster risk reduction policy note. ISDR Asia Pacific. Accessed January 07, 2022 from https://www.researchgate.net/project/Indigenous-Knowledge-for-Disaster-Risk-Reduction
Sillitoe, P., Dixon, P., & Barr, J. (1998). Indigenous knowledge research on floodplains of Bangladesh: The search for a methodology. Grassroots Voice, 1(1), 5–15. Accessed December 12, 2021 from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08da440f0b652dd001ab0/R6756Bullpap2.pdf
Stephen, I., Chowdhury, R., & Nath, D. (2008). Soil and water conservation through bamboo plantation: A disaster management technique adopted by the people of Nandeswar, Assam. In R. Shaw, N. Uy, & J. Baumwoli (Eds.), Indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction: Good practices and lessons learnt from the Asia-Pacific region (pp. 14–16). UNISDR Asia and Pacific.
Tharakan, J. (2015). Indigenous knowledge systems-A rich appropriate technology resource. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 7(1), 52–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2014.987987
UN. (2005). Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, UN department of Economic and Social Affairs. https://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/WSSD_POI_PD/English/POIToc.htm
UN. (2012). The future we want: Outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio deJaneiro, Brazil, 20–22 June, 2012. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/733FutureWeWant.pdf
UN. (2013). Lessons learned from the commission on sustainable development: Report of the Secretary General. https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/67/757&Lang=E
UN. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E
UN. (2020a). Poverty eradication-End poverty in all its forms everywhere. https://sdgs.un.org/topics/poverty-eradication
UN. (2020b). Food security and nutrition and sustainable agriculture: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal2
UN (United Nations) (2007) United nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. Accessed December 18, 2021 from https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
UN (United Nations). (2016). Report of the open-ended intergovernmental expert working group on indicators and terminology relating to disaster risk reduction. United Nations General Assembly, https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/50683_oiewgreportenglish.pdf
UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme). (2008). Indigenous knowledge in disaster management in Africa, UNEP Nairobi, Kenya.
UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction). (2005). Hyogo framework for action 2005–2015: Building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. Accessed February 14, 2020 from www.unisdr.org/2005/wcdr/intergover/official-doc/L-docs/Hyogo-framework-for-action-english.pdf
UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction). (2015). Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030. Accessed October 02, 2018 from www.preventionweb.net/files/43291_sendaiframeworkfordrren.pdf
UNCED (United States Conference on Environment and Development). (1992). United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3–14 June 1992. Accessed December 10, 2021 from https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/rio1992
Valez, M. (2020). Natural disasters and indigenous people’s traditional knowledge. Accessed December 26, 2021 from https://nomadictribe.com/discover/items/19
Warren, D. (1991). Using indigenous knowledge for agricultural development. World Bank Discussion Paper 127. Washington, D.C.
Williams, D., & Muchena, N. (1991). Utilizing indigenous knowledge systems in agricultural education to promote sustainable agriculture. Journal of Agricultural Education, 16(11), 52–56. Accessed December 30, 2021 from https://www.jae-online.org/attachments/article/741/Williams,%20D%20&%20Muchena,%20O_Vol32_4_52-57.pdf
Zhou, B., Fu, M., Sie, J., Yang, X., & Li, Z. (2005). Ecological functions of bamboo forest: Research and application. Journal of Forestry Research, 16(2), 143–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02857909
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bang, H.N. (2022). The Application of Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Risk Management and Sustainable Development: Insights from Developing Countries. In: Mbah, M.F., Leal Filho, W., Ajaps, S. (eds) Indigenous Methodologies, Research and Practices for Sustainable Development. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12326-9_19
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12326-9_19
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-12325-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-12326-9
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)