Part I. Plug-in Principle: Theory and Practical Approaches to Integration of Knowledge Systems -- Chapter 1. The Plug-in Principle – A Theory for Effective Integration of Knowledge Systems and Development Interventions -- Chapter 2. Roundabout Journey to Resilient and Sustainable Farming Systems -- Chapter 3. Integrating Indigenous and Modern Knowledge Systems for Household Food Security in the Smallholder Irrigation Schemes in South Africa -- Chapter 4. Decolonizing Food Systems through the Plug-in Principle - The Case of Cereal Seed Value Chains in Mali -- Chapter 5. Men and Women in Farmer-Led Irrigation in the Upper East Region of Ghana -- Part II. Challenges to Food Systems’ Knowledge Integration at Community Levels -- Chapter 6. Efficacy of Traditional Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Facilitating Peacebuilding Between Herdsmen and Farmers in The West Mamprusi Municipal of Ghana -- Chapter 7. Demons of Developments without Dialoguing with Indigenous Knowledge -- Chapter 8. Evaporating Indigenous Knowledge-Based Social Justice System among the Maasai Pastoralists of Kenya -- Chapter 9. Challenges to the Use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Natural Resource Management in Rural Eastern Cape, South Africa -- Part III. Curriculum and ICT Innovations for Effective Food Systems Transition -- Chapter 10. Blending Academic World with Community For Development - Plugging-In for Knowledge and Service -- Chapter 11. Rural Development and the ICT4D Plug-In Principle for Information and Communication Technologies -- Chapter 12. Make the BOT Speak Your Language - Plugging-in Artificial Intelligence into Women Entrepreneurship in the Sahel.

Open Access

This open access book presents a novel approach to food security research (SDG-2 Zero Hunger) by integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge. Through extensive field-based research in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, and South Africa, it explores the impact of merging traditional practices and local knowledge with scientific methods. Through field studies, the book shows the value of local knowledge and community-led innovations in combating hunger, achieving food security, and enhancing nutrition sustainably and food sovereignty. Drawing on decades of research in rural Africa, the authors introduce the "Plug-In Principle"—a theory for integrating indigenous and modern knowledge systems to foster sustainable agricultural practices and enriched food ecosystems in Africa. The Plug-In Principle advocates that advancements in science and technology should enhance rather than replace existing indigenous knowledge. This principle emerged from the failures of many development interventions where attempts at replacement often led to challenges and failures. In agriculture, for instance, interventions in mechanization, soil amendments, seed and breed improvements, and extension services have seldom succeeded due to a lack of integration with existing practices. The Plug-In Principle emphasizes that effective knowledge integration hinges on a deep understanding and appreciation of prevailing systems. By designing interventions that seamlessly "plug-in" to existing technologies, we can ensure the co-creation of effective solutions to the challenges we face. This book is a testament to the potential of collaborative innovation in fostering sustainable development. Development workers, policymakers, researchers, students, and donor agencies in agriculture and other development areas will find this volume invaluable. Additionally, scholars focused on decolonization and indigenous knowledge in the Global South will uncover insightful case studies and analyses.

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