The template of African culture is the culture of innovation, a culture which has sustained a unique African way of living by promoting and harnessing intimacy and harmony between people and nature. This relationship with nature is what has come to be referred to as Indigenous Knowledge Systems, where indigenous peoples rely on their immediate environment for all of its value and benefits, including pharmaceutical, nutritional, cosmetic, climate prediction, engineering, sustainable agriculture and a host of many others.
Where the practice of western medicine is limited in that compounds are separated to respond to singular ailments, medicine in the African culture is based on a holistic approach, pharmaceutical plants are exposed to minimum quantities of purification and all plant properties are engaged.
South Africa has one of the highest bio-diversity, where 70% of plants have pharmaceutical properties capable of eliminating both fungi and bacteria. It is for this reason that government has prioritized Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) by placing it on the national and provincial agenda.
The Innovation Hub has just recently launched BioPark@Gauteng Phase 2 facility which comprises 1500 M2. This facility will enable existing incubated entrepreneurs to expand their IKS based businesses, and will also provide access to commercial companies for use. AgriPark, also recently launched, will fast track South Africa’s natural resource capacity, as well as the countries objective to increase food security.
There is great economic benefit for custodian communities of IKS, the task however is to support and promote the use of IKS as a economic vehicle for inclusive and diverse growth. Dr Chamunorwa Togo, GM at BioPark@Gauteng, insists that “Africa would be sel-sufficient if it were to adopt an IKS approach which appreciates and recognizes the environment, so as to best explore potentials for Innovation”
This month The Innovation Hub, will explore the various dynamics of IKS and introduce you to innovators who are making strides in IKS
