Environmental security and African indigenous knowledge systems: Towards climate resilience and sustainable natural resource governance in Africa
Onuk Bulus Ojem ORCID ↗ · Phemelo Olifile Marumo ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 5 · 295–310
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Observed 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC
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Abstract
Environmental insecurity has become an increasingly significant challenge in Africa, as climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources continue to threaten livelihoods and community well-being. Against this background, this study examines the role of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in promoting environmental security, strengthening climate resilience and advancing sustainable natural-resource governance in Africa. The study adopts a qualitative research approach based primarily on secondary data, using a documentary research design. Relevant information is drawn from peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books, policy documents, institutional reports and publications of reputable international and African organisations. The data are analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns concerning Indigenous Knowledge, climate adaptation, environmental governance, natural-resource conservation and community resilience. The study is theoretically anchored in Human Security Theory, which views security from a people-centred perspective and emphasises the protection of human survival, livelihoods and dignity. The analysis reveals that African Indigenous Knowledge provides valuable environmental observations, adaptive practices, customary resource-management rules and community-based institutions that can strengthen responses to climate variability and environmental degradation. However, its contribution remains constrained by inadequate documentation, cultural erosion, limited institutional recognition, weak policy integration and the rapid transformation of African ecological and socioeconomic systems. The study concludes that Indigenous Knowledge should not be treated as a replacement for scientific knowledge but as a complementary resource that can enhance locally appropriate climate adaptation and sustainable environmental governance. It recommends greater institutional recognition, systematic documentation, intergenerational transmission and meaningful integration of Indigenous and scientific knowledge into environmental-security and climate policies. Such an approach can strengthen community resilience, improve natural-resource governance and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
Keywords: Environmental Security, African Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Climate Resilience, Natural-Resource Governance, Human Security, Sustainable Development.
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Onuk Bulus Ojem
North-West University, Faculty of Humanities, Mafikeng , ZA
Phemelo Olifile Marumo
North-West University
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