Development of Indigenous Physics as Solution to Socio-economic Problems: Insights from Physics Teachers and Elders.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue V, May 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Development of Indigenous Physics as Solution to Socio-economic Problems: Insights from Physics Teachers and Elders.

Edson Mudzamiri, Conlious.J. Chagwiza, Ensleem. T .Madudzo
Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe

Abstract: The limited application of Indigenous Physics in the development programs of many nations has resulted in the emergence and reoccurrence of many socio-economic problems. This study argues that, if Indigenous physics including its teaching, learning and practice are demystified and developed people’s socio-economic problems can be solved. Indigenous physics is a reservoir of critical scientific knowledge, skills, technology and practices that are compatible with the people’s socio-economic contexts hence can offer solutions to problems such as energy crisis and those associated with climatic change as well as environmental degradation. Electricity shortages may be minimized by increasing its generation using Indigenous Physics Knowledge of electrostatics applied in creating of lightning that requires neither large dams, foreign currency nor large workforce. This qualitative study adopted Post-colonial theory ideas grounded in indigenous research paradigm. The participants were selected purposively, and interviewed. Teachers formed focus groups while Elders engaged in cultural talks at cultural meetings. Thematic data analysis revealed findings indicating that development of IP is possible and necessary as it can provide solutions to people’s problems. The study stimulates new thoughts and generates discussion on the wealth of Indigenous Physics Knowledge that can be used to solve socio-economic problems .

Keywords: Development, Stigmatization, Indigenous Physics (IP), Western Physics (WP), Indigenous Physics Knowledge (IPK)

I. INTRODUCTION

It is well known that indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in different nations is being despised and underdeveloped.
This has resulted in limited application of Indigenous Physics in the development programs of many nations resulting in the emergence, persistence and reoccurrence of many socio-economic problems. This paper argues that, if Indigenous physics (IP) including its teaching, learning, and practice are revived, demystified, and developed some socio-economic and environmental problems in Africa can be solved. This research is based on the realization that IP like Western Physics (WP) provides valuable knowledge and technology resource base that has immense potential to alleviate many socio-economic problems in indigenous communities in Africa and even beyond [1], [2]. The knowledge of IP empowers members of indigenous societies with abilities and capabilities to deploy and employ practical techniques and skills to manage their environment and to find solutions to their problems [2]. Examples may include electricity shortages which may be minimized by increasing its generation using IPK of electrostatics applied when creating and using traditionally man made lightning (Mheni). Mheni is a sudden illumination of the heavens caused by the discharge

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