Abstract:
Traditional water knowledge (TWK) compounds indigenous people’s profound
and inherent understanding, comprehension, and interpretation of natural processes
with their ecological dependence on hydrological cycles and spiritual and
religious cultural connections. TWK simultaneously coexists and conflicts with
Western methods of water management in African landscapes. The objectives of
this systematic literature review were to 1) synthesise the role of spirituality in TWK
elements comprising spatial-based landscape knowledge, water use and management,
and water values i) as drivers and ii) barriers to aquatic ecosystem
conservation in rural and urban landscapes and 2) identify salient gaps for its
integration in strengthening aquatic biodiversity, climate adaptation, resilience,
and sanitation initiatives in Zimbabwe. A Scientific Procedures and Rationales for
Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) literature review protocol and a
Theories, Concepts, Characteristics; Methodology (TCCM) framework were
adopted. TWK exhibits subtle variations related to the local geospatial cultural
intricate perspectives on the sacredness of water sites. Informal traditional water
knowledge networks predict wildlife and water system and rainfall dynamics akin
to academic projections but pose unique governance and policy interventions.
Gaps exist in studies on the origin of the evolution of mythical water spirits,
spiritualism, moneyism, natural medicinal healing attributes, and the lure of water
ecosystems as an epistemological aspect of TWK. Geospatial mapping and
documentation of the localised contextual conservation astuteness of sacred
water sites is a baseline and valid TWK for local conservation policy initiatives.
Complementary integration of TWK and contemporary scientific methods will
enhance national water policies and water conservation strategies in Zimbabwe.
