Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Climate-Smart Agriculture integration in East Africa: A Brief Literature Review

This desk review explores how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in East Africa can complement and enrich Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices. Drawing from documented examples in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, the paper analyzes hybrid approaches that integrate traditional agroecological practices with CSA’s productivity and adaptation goals. It addresses epistemic justice, policy gaps, and the need for participatory models that elevate Indigenous custodianship and local data sovereignty. The review concludes with policy and research recommendations for co-producing context-specific solutions to climate resilience.