Development and Enhancement of Local Materials Analysis of Cases of Development and Valorization of Innovative Local Materials Facilitated by an Innovative Pedagogical Approach

The valorization of local materials is a major challenge for sustainable development in the African context, where abundant natural resources such as raw earth, bamboo, basalt, pozzolana, and plant fibers remain largely underutilized due to a lack of technical training sufficiently grounded in local realities. This article examines how an innovative pedagogical approach, combining problem-based learning (PBL), project-based learning (PBL), and local integration, can catalyze the development and valorization of local materials with high construction and industrial potential. Through the analysis of three concrete cases drawn from teaching practice at IUEs/Insam over two academic years, we demonstrate that integrating indigenous knowledge into civil engineering and architecture curricula not only fosters students' technical mastery but also generates material innovations applicable at the local level. The results reveal a significant improvement in practical skills, a better understanding of environmental issues, and a dynamic of co-production of knowledge among teachers, students, and community stakeholders. This study contributes to rethinking educational paradigms in higher education institutions in Central Africa, by placing local material innovation at the heart of learning processes and sustainable territorial development.

local materials, innovative teaching methods, promotion, indigenous knowledge

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