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Post Office Box 783,
New Britain,
Connecticut 06050,
USA.

The Global Africa Foundation sponsors programs and activities in Africa. Preference is given to researchers within Africa that investigate and rationally implement aspects of African Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Programs which embark on upgrading and updating such technologies are encouraged. Our ultimate goal is sustainable development.

Proposals should be sent to:

The Global Africa Foundation,
P.O. Box 783,
New Britain,
Connecticut,
CT06050,
USA.

2nd CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Department of History, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria in conjunction with the Global Africa Foundation, New Britain, USA announce the Second International Conference on Africa's Indigenous Science and Knowledge Systems.

The focus areas include:

• Conceptual issues related to Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Indigenous vs. Endogenous Knowledge; Science and Knowledge Production; Protocols for Indigenous Knowledge Production and Knowledge Transfer; Globalization of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.


• Ethical issues surrounding intellectual property rights and compensation for resource persons, and experts; Principles for knowledge management; Oral acquisitions of knowledge; The preservation of resources; Knowledge data bases in indigenous language and culture; Issues related to the preservation of resources and resource material; Interconnections between library systems and indigenous knowledge; Communication mechanisms and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.


• Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Curriculum;

The role of historians and other social scientists; Towards an integrated holistic curriculum and resource centers; Preservation of online databases and various types of museums.

Case Studies from the Disciplines

The interconnections between science and religions in a specific area; Indigenous mathematical systems in particular ethnic, linguistics or cultural regions across the continents; The medical, therapeutic value of Traditional Health Care; The scientific basis of traditional remedies; Constraints and challenges in Traditional Health Care; Indigenous Practitioners and HIV/AIDS- The Way Forward.

• Mental Care and Traditional Methodologies


• Triumphs and constraints in indigenous technologies with respect to: cloth making, beer and other beverages, soap and cosmetics, metallurgy, building materials etc.


• Comparative regional studies and lessons to be learnt from
  South East Asia, South Asia, China , Japan and other regions

GENERAL INFORMATION

a. Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Keffi. Because of the proximity of Keffi to Abuja , participants may also commute to Keffi from Abuja. Those interested in lodging in Abuja or Keffi should book in advance. The cost of hotel accomodation is US$50 and above.

b. Travel
The link to Keffi is Abuja International Airport ( Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport ). International flights come into Abuja regularly. Abuja can also be reached from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. There are many local flights from Lagos to Abuja. For the higher registration fee of $160.00 participants will be transported from the airport , to their hotel in Abuja or Keffi and the conference venue in Keffi.

  Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is serviced by Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin and KLM. Flights are cheaper when bookings are made well in advance.

c. Visas
All non-Nigerian passport holders require a visa to enter Nigeria . We recommend that you apply for your visa not less than 3 months prior to your traveling date. The Department will send invitation letters to facilitate visa applications.

d. Conference Location and Venue
Nasarawa State University Keffi, is the conference location and venue. It is a new University established by Nasarawa State. Keffi is one of the historic cities in the State and in northern Nigeria . In fact, it was from Keffi that the resistance to colonial rule started. This conference will be the second conference. The first one was organized in June 2004. It attracted participants from other African countries, North America and Western Europe.

e. Dress and Climate
October is the tail end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. Participants are advised to bring with them light wear for the period.

f. Tours to Historic Sites
We have arranged to visit some historic places in Abuja and Jos after the conference for those who are interested. The tour of Abuja is a day visit and will cost US$100. The tour to Jos, inclusive of accommodation for a night, will cost US$200.

g. Conference Registration Fee
The registration fee for participants from outside of Africa is $100. U.S. or $160. U.S. The higher rate includes transport from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, as well as transport to and from the participant's hotel in Abuja or Keffi - on arrival and on the day of departure. The registration fee for participants within Africa is 5,000 naira.

h. Organizing Committee
Dr. Olayemi Akinwumi,
Professor of History and Dean ,
Faculty of Arts,
Nasarawa State University , Keffi , Nigeria.
Phone: ++234-8035041607
E-mail: conferenceoctober@yahoo.com

Adoyi Onoja
Department of History
Nasarawa State University
Keffi , Nigeria
Phone: ++234-8045183052
E-mail: conferenceoctober@yahoo.com