The Center for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CEFIKS)

CEFIKS - The Center for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CEFIKS)
is an independent not-for-profit, non-governmental organization based in Accra, Ghana. CEFIKS has an affiliate branch in the United States. CEFIKS is committed to the inclusion of indigenous knowledge systems in Africa, specifically Ghana, in the mushrooming information technology movement. CEFIKS is also committed to the empowerment of disadvantaged groups in rural and urban areas in gaining access to and also in utilizing both indigenous and emerging information communications technologies. CEFIKS is committed to the utilization of indigenous knowledge systems and other forms of information for capacity building as a way of accelerating socio-economic development in rural and urban areas of Ghana and throughout the West African region.

Strategy

The strategy for accomplishing this mission includes, but not limited to

1. Research
CEFIKS will:

* act as a clearinghouse for collecting, compiling, doc**enting and disseminating information regarding indigenous knowledge on agriculture, natural resources management, food systems, traditional medicine and health systems, and arts and crafts;
* conduct inter-disciplinary research on indigenous knowledge systems and the transfer of indigenous knowledge systems, and initiate a long term effort to promote the exchange of such knowledge within Ghana and with the outside world;
* facilitate collaboration between researchers and practitioners of indigenous knowledge systems. establish district and regional indigenous knowledge centers within Ghana;

2. Education
CEFIKS will:
* popularize and spread the use of indigenous knowledge through print and electronic publications, seminars, workshops, and conferences;
* share the results of its research to interested individuals and organizations.