Reimagining smart villages in Africa through synergistic bridging of technology and indigenous knowledge for rural sustainability

Abstract

Smart Village models are an innovative approach that leverages digital technologies and improved infrastructure to support the development of rural communities. They have emerged as an advanced approach to addressing the continuous problems associated with rural area development. Nonetheless, their sustainability and community approval are hindered by the weak alignment with local contexts and indigenous knowledge (IK), with an emphasis on technological infrastructure. This study presents smart villages as future-ready communities that blend emerging technologies with IK to promote sustainable rural development. It repositions IK as a central organizing lens through which digital technologies are designed, governed, and sustained. Drawing on recent literature and illustrative cases, the study proposes an IK-focused smart village framework that conceptualizes IK as a mediating system for influencing technology adoption, community governance, and sustainability outcomes. The framework highlights how their integration can support eco-inclusive development. Key challenges relating to accessibility, knowledge preservation, and community engagement are discussed. Practical directions are provided for policymakers, technologists, and development practitioners to co-create sustainable smart villages rooted in IK.