Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge for Capacity Strengthening in West African Civil Society: Bridging Traditional Practices and Contemporary Advocacy
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Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a vital role in advancing governance, social justice, and sustainable development in West Africa. Yet many capacity-building approaches used by CSOs continue to rely on externally designed frameworks that often overlook local sociocultural realities. This study explores how indigenous knowledge systems can strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of CSOs in the region, highlighting the value of community-based practices such as storytelling, traditional governance structures, and restorative justice in shaping resilient and locally grounded civil society action.
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About the author
Dr. Comfort Fatimoh Sheidu
Dr. Comfort Fatimoh Sheidu is a highly distinguished professional with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Peace and Conflict
Studies, Gender Studies, Research and Development, Policy Analysis and International Relations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a
Master’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, as well as a PhD in Policy Analysis from the University of Abuja, Nigeria. She is a lecturer and scholar whose work lies at the intersection of public policy, civil society studies, governance and development in Africa. Dr. Comfort Fatimoh Sheidu has left an indelible mark, boasting an impressive array of publications that have significantly contributed to the discourse in her field. Her research, characterised by its depth and originality, has garnered widespread acclaim, earning her a reputation as a thought leader in her domain.
