Indigenous knowledge for innovation and sustainable livelihood in Ghana’s informal economy

Linda Anane-Donkor, De-Graft Johnson Dei, Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo · 2026 · Discover Global Society

Summary. Indigenous knowledge drives innovation in Ghana's informal economy. A study of 300 informal-sector workers found that 90% rely on indigenous knowledge, with 85% using it to develop new products and services. Apprenticeship and museum archives best preserve this knowledge. Indigenous knowledge significantly improves food security, health, and environmental sustainability. However, lack of government support and poor integration with modern technology remain major barriers. The research demonstrates indigenous knowledge is essential for grassroots innovation but needs stronger policy backing.

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@article{anane-donkor-2026-indigenous-knowledge-innovation-sustainable-livelihood,
  title   = {Indigenous knowledge for innovation and sustainable livelihood in Ghana’s informal economy},
  author  = {Linda Anane-Donkor and De-Graft Johnson Dei and Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo},
  journal = {Discover Global Society},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.1007/s44282-026-00352-3},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-026-00352-3}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Indigenous knowledge for innovation and sustainable livelihood in Ghana’s informal economy
AU  - Linda Anane-Donkor
AU  - De-Graft Johnson Dei
AU  - Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo
JO  - Discover Global Society
PY  - 2026
DO  - 10.1007/s44282-026-00352-3
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-026-00352-3
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1007/s44282-026-00352-3

Countries

Ghana

Regions

Africa

Categories

indigenous-innovation, entrepreneurship, policy

Added

2026-04-28