Indigenous knowledge research in Kenya and South Africa : an informetric study
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Authors
Njiraine, Dorothy
Ocholla, Dennis
Onyancha, Omwoyo Bosire
Issue Date
2010
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Informetrics , Knowledge management , Indigenous knowledge , Traditional knowledge
Alternative Title
Abstract
This article applies informetrics using descriptive bibliometrics to determine the state
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) development in Kenya and South Africa. Data was analysed
using the following variables: document type; growth of literature on the subject from
1990-2008; document source(s); document affiliation; subject domain; country of publication;
and nature of authorship, among other attributes. International databases (OCLC –
Online Computer Library Center, MEDLINE and AGRICOLA) and national databases –
South Africa’s Southern African Bibliographic Information Network (SABINET databases,
i.e. Current and Completed Research: CCR, Union Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations:
UTD, and Index to South African Periodicals: ISAP) and Kenya’s Greenstone
Database – were analysed using content analysis. Two keywords – indigenous knowledge
and traditional knowledge – were used in all database searches. We found that IK was
strongly represented in the SABINET and OCLC databases. The absence of a national
(online) database showcasing Kenyan research output made it difficult to account for IK
research in the country. Recommendations are provided for a follow up study and further
research. The article could prove useful for decision support in IK management.
Description
Citation
Njiraine, D., Ocholla, D. & Onyancha O.B.'Indigenous knowledge research in Kenya and South Africa : an informetric study', Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 194-210.