Abstract

Using the qualitative approach, the study determined views of Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Master of Science in Counselling (MScC) students on the usefulness of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in counselling. Data was collected from purposively selected participants as follows: ZOU MScC students in training (N=10); ZOU MScC awaiting graduands (N=10) and Counselling lecturers from ZOU regional centres (N-10) and two focused groups of MScC students [each with 10 participants]. Findings from the focused group discussions and document analysis were used to augment the unstructured interview findings. Issues of the paradigm shift towards IKS in development, controversies on intellectual property of IKS and contributions of IKS to knowledge development were the main thrust behind this study. Data was descriptively analysed and coded according to emerging themes and patterns. Narrative accounts of analysed documents supported the findings and where possible critical analyses on raised issues were made. Results revealed that, ZOU’s Open Distance Learning (ODL) delivery mode was the best tool to disseminate IKS. The study participants found their learning material better IKS biased than at undergraduate programme. That meant that, there was need to relook at the undergraduate programme to make it IKS conversant. The study recommended that, IKS be ingrained into all study matters for sustainable developments in Zimbabweans’ livelihoods and it further suggested that, through IK one tended to understand the self better as an African. That was further proposed to be supported by marked IKS days where people from diversified institutions showcased how their systems embraced IKS.