A new study from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi is urging policymakers, researchers, and development partners to rethink global climate strategies by embracing African indigenous knowledge systems as a central tool for environmental sustainability.
Published in the African Identities journal, the research argues that philosophies embedded in Ghana’s cultural heritage—particularly Adinkra symbols—and the African ethic of Ubuntu provide practical, values-based solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
According to the researchers, climate change is not only a scientific and technical issue but also a moral and cultural one that requires deeper human values such as compassion, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Speaking on the study, Dr. Ginn Bonsu noted that over-reliance on external frameworks limits Africa’s ability to fully address its environmental realities. “We must move beyond relying solely on Eurocentric models and re-engage with indigenous knowledge systems that already promote harmony between humans and nature,” he emphasized.
The study highlights several Adinkra symbols as carriers of environmental ethics. The “Akoma” (heart) symbol represents love, patience, and endurance—values the researchers say are critical for collective climate responsibility. The “Ese ne Tekrema” (teeth and tongue) symbol reflects interdependence and cooperation despite differences, underscoring the partnerships needed for effective climate action.
Other symbols such as “Nkyinkyim” (twistedness) and “Funtunfunefu Denkymfunefu” (Siamese crocodiles) are cited as expressions of adaptability, unity, and shared survival—principles that align closely with global sustainability and biodiversity protection efforts.
The research further draws on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, commonly expressed as “I am because we are,” extending it beyond human relations to include the natural environment. It references South African theologian Desmond Tutu’s reflection that “we are, because the planet is,” framing environmental stewardship as a shared moral responsibility.
The study argues that while global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide useful direction, they often lack the cultural grounding necessary to inspire deep behavioural change in African societies. Indigenous knowledge systems, however, naturally promote intergenerational responsibility and environmental care rooted in cultural identity.
The researchers are therefore calling for the adoption of “pluri-versality”—the coexistence of multiple knowledge systems—as a way forward in shaping more inclusive and effective climate solutions.
They further advocate for stronger collaboration between academia, policymakers, and traditional knowledge holders to ensure that environmental governance is not only scientifically sound but also culturally meaningful and socially transformative.
