DESIGNING AN EXPLORATORY INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR SOIL CONSERVATION MECHANISM IN THE KONSO COMMUNITY

Abstract

In Ethiopia, there are diverse Indigenous Knowledge systems across different regions and ethnicities. The Konso people, specifically, possess unique indigenous knowledge used for various purposes, such as weather forecasting, traditional medicine, soil conservation, and environmental protection to enhance productivity. The primary objective of this research study is to explore and design an Indigenous Knowledge Management framework specifically focused on soil conservation mechanisms among the Konso people. Therefore, it is crucial to explore and design an IKM framework and develop a prototype that simplifies the processes involved in knowledge management. The research adopts an exploratory research method and a design science research design to gather knowledge from various sources. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed, utilizing data collection tools such as interviews (questionnaires), surveys, technical observations (checklists), and analysis of existing documents. The collected data revealed new insights, leading to the design and development of a newly proposed IKM framework for soil conservation, implemented using the SWI Prolog tool. Furthermore, the designed and developed IKM framework for soil conservation was evaluated and validated according to ISO-1826 I standards. The findings of this study indicate its significant importance in terms of knowledge sharing, transfer, utilization, and preservation, particularly in combating soil erosion and land degradation in Ethiopia, specifically among the Konso people. User and expert evaluations were conducted, with the results showing that 70% of respondents acknowledged the knowledge deliverability, 87.5% found the framework attractive, 75% agreed on its accessibility, and 62.5% deemed it suitable for their needs. These results strongly support the notion that the proposed IKM framework and prototype for soil conservation among the Konso people can effectively share, transfer, and preserve indigenous knowledge for future generations.

Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, KM Framework, Soil conservation, Knowledge Management, Knowledge Preservation