AFRICAN YOUTHS AND THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE LENS OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

This study explores the critical role of African youth in bridging indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) with contemporary sustainable development goals. Despite its potential to address challenges like climate change and food insecurity, IKS transmission faces threats from globalization and marginalization. While policy frameworks increasingly acknowledge youth and IKS, they often remain fragmented and underfunded. Using a qualitative desktop methodology, this study finds that African youth are pivotal agents of change, leveraging technological fluency to revitalize indigenous crops, integrate traditional knowledge into climate adaptation, and preserve culture through digital platforms. However, this potential is hampered by policy gaps; unlike Rwanda's integrated approach linking indigenous practices to national goals, many strategies lack implementation mechanisms and grant youth only symbolic participation. The study concludes that achieving sustainable development requires empowering youth through inclusive education, supportive policy frameworks, and structured intergenerational dialogue, transforming indigenous knowledge from heritage into a living toolkit for a resilient future.