African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Transition: Re-Examining the Shona Ethno-Medicine and Spirituality to Infertility Treatment in Zimbabwe

African Indigenous knowledge systems is part of African identity, a way of life, a culture, memory, skills, histories and practices. The study re-examines the contemporary state of ethno-medicine and spirituality and how these are practiced for infertility treatment amongst the Shona people. The study grapples with the question; whether indigenous knowledge system provide an alternative solution and perspective for the address of infertility problems or it’s mere practice and clinging on to obsolete traditions. Theoretically, the study is guided by the classical Antonio Gramsci’s cultural hegemony theory which is premised on the view that the dominant class in society does not just rule over the subjugated people through material power or force but through persuasive cultural, political and moral values. The study deployed the narrative inquiry anchored on recording the lived experiences and capture lived realities of research interlocutors revealing intricate, hidden truths and nuances. The main finding and argument of the study is that the nature of the capitalist mode of production with its roots in colonialism devalued and diluted the importance of ethno-medicine in efforts to promoting western systems and strengthen a capitalist westernised health care system, hence, African indigenous knowledge systems remain in the margins as the aggressive western medical care system promote profit, surplus and growth than human welfare and wellness. The study further argues that, a blended and hybridised knowledge systems embracing Western and African knowledge systems lead to sustainable medical care and human development. Thus the conclusion and recommendation is about promotion of restorative medicinal system based on locally available natural endowments.

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