Call volume 3, number 2 – 2026 : « Local Knowledge, Territories and Sustainability »

Issue coordinated   

by Gabriel Cyrille Nguijoi

Rationale

In a global context marked by the convergence of environmental, social, security and epistemic crises, African territories face critical choices regarding development trajectories and governance modalities. Promoting and boosting the reappropriation of local knowledge could therefore be seen as a strategic response to the challenges thereof by offering locally rooted alternatives and innovations adapted to specific realities.

This issue seeks to open an interdisciplinary and comparative scientific debate on the complex bond between local knowledge systems, territorial dynamics and sustainability in African societies. It aims to move beyond normative and extractive approaches and dive into a cognitive decolonisation process, the indigenisation of practices and methodological innovations, in order to determine how local knowledge contribute to resilience, security, sustainable development and territorial sovereignty.

It sheds light on the relevance of revisiting modes of knowledge production and validation, highlighting epistemological tensions between knowledge inherited from colonisation and local knowledge within a dialectic of decolonisation and cognitive reappropriation (Santos 2014). It features Valentin‑Yves Mudimbe’s (1988) work on the conditions of possibility for an autonomous African knowledge and Achille Mbembe’s (2000; 2016) analyses of subjectivity and territoriality in postcolonial contexts.

Particular stress will be laid on methodological and epistemic innovations emerging from field research: participatory surveys, inclusive approaches and co‑construction of knowledge. Even though these approaches are deemed innovative, they must be critically examined, at least in terms of their shortcomings in order to avoid potential pitfalls like folklorisation or instrumentalisation of endogenous knowledge.

The aim of this issue is to provide a rigorous and critical analysis of the interactions between endogenous knowledge, sustainability and territories through four main axes.

Main themes

• Local epistemologies and the reconfiguration of knowledge

Local epistemology is based on the recognition of knowledge systems specific to African societies that have, for a long time, been marginalised by dominant western paradigms and discourses. Far from being static or archaic, these patterns are dynamic, hybrid and are often linked to modern systems, thus producing composite forms of knowledge adapted to local realities. This research area will analyse processes of production, transmission and transformation of these patterns, as well as their potential to reorient scientific research, development policies and technological innovation.

• Territories, local practices and socio‑ecological resilience

African territories are living laboratories of local practices that support socio‑ecological resilience. This resilience is reflected in communities’ ability to preserve livelihoods despite climatic shocks, land pressures and rapid socio‑economic change. This research area will examine how local knowledge shapes practices such as agroforestry, community-based water resource management and traditional soil conservation techniques. It will also examine local governance mechanisms— collective participation, customary norms, land tenure arrangements — that determine access to and regulation of resources.

• Public policies, local innovation and sustainability

Integrating endogenous knowledge into public policies is a strategic issue for sustainability in Africa. Critical analysis of existing mechanisms often reveals a gap between stated intentions and actual practices, this stems from tensions between State’s regulation and customary management practices, or the difficulty of promoting local knowledge in standardised bureaucratic systems. This research area will examine the conditions for territorial appropriation of policies, highlighting innovative experiences such as participatory planning, multi‑stakeholder partnerships and financing of agroecological technologies adapted to local contexts.

• Local knowledge, multidimensional security and territorial autonomy

The concept of Territory is not limited to geographic borders; it is also, according to Mbeng Dang and Ligue Engamba’s (2023), a social, cultural and symbolic space where local knowledge is embedded. That is the reason why, according to Zoyem and Mbih (2021), it is critical to analyse local strategies for resilience and tension management, particularly in areas weakened by conflicts. This research area will address the broader concept of security (food, environmental, land, health, digital) and systems that could be used to prevent communities from exposure and vulnerability, grounded in empirical observations. These dynamics pave the way for reflection on territorial autonomy and the sustainability of endogenous security mechanisms.

VARIA

To preserve scientific openness and diversity of approaches, the issue will include contributions in a Varia section for suggestions that may be aligned with the subject, but do not directly fall under the defined areas of study. Proposed articles may therefore:

• Explore crosscutting or emerging themes related to local knowledge, sustainability or territorial dynamics;
• Present original case studies, critical analyses or methodological innovations that enrich the debate;
• Address related topics such as migration, languages and cultural practices, African spirituality, artistic expressions or forms of cultural resistance, provided they shed light on issues of sustainability and territoriality;
• Offer analyses in political science or international relations, for example on cognitive sovereignty, local languages recognition policies, or regional cooperation around endogenous knowledge.

This section aims to foster inclusivity and plurality of voices while stimulating intellectual innovation. Proposals will undergo rigorous peer evaluation and may be grouped in a dedicated section in order to enhance the coherence and richness of the volume.

Submission procedures

The submission of proposals follows the general policy of the Grenier des Savoirs Journals. In the first stage, authors are required to submit an abstract for validation, using the official abstract submission form (follow the link: https://www.revues.scienceafrique.org/formulaire/).

The evaluation is carried out by peer reviewers. The anti-plagiarism policy is aligned with that of the Grenier des savoirs.

It must clearly and concisely present the theme of your proposed contribution, its theoretical approach, its methodology, as well as its relevance to the call for papers, where applicable.

It is recommended to repeat the key concepts in the abstract to facilitate their identification by search engines. Each abstract submission must include the following metadata:

• A title and, if applicable, a subtitle.
• An abstract of 200 to 250 words, in French or English.
• 5 to 6 bibliographic references.
• 5 to 6 keywords, descriptive but general—those you would use to search for an article like yours.
• The first name(s), last name(s), and official affiliation of all authors, along with their email address(es).

If the full text of your article is already written, you must still submit only the abstract and wait for the decision of the editorial committee. Indeed, the recommendations regarding your abstract may help you improve your manuscript.

Abstracts and final manuscripts must be submitted exclusively online at the following address: https://www.revues.scienceafrique.org/formulaire/

The Grenier des Savoirs journals recommend a length of 15 pages for an article or a review paper, including the bibliography. For all formatting guidelines and bibliographic reference instructions, please refer to the following link: https://www.revues.scienceafrique.org/instruction/.

The journal publishes texts in English and French. A translation of the abstract into an African language is strongly recommended.

Before submitting the final manuscripts, authors are requested to download the style sheet  and strictly adhere to the formatting requirements available at the following address:

https://www.revues.scienceafrique.org/ngabandibolel/politiques/instructions-aux-auteurs-et-aux-autrices/

Timeline

Launch date of the call: 06 December 2025

Deadline for abstract submission (online only): 30 March 2026

Notification to authors after proposal evaluation: 30 April 2026

Submission of full manuscripts: 15 July 2026

Publication date of the volume: December 2026

Editorial Committee

• NZINO MUNONGO Victorine Ghislaine, Editor-in-Chief, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cameroon);
• CHIMANYE MOTIO Aristide, Co-Editor-in-Chief, University of Yaoundé II (Cameroon);
• NGUIDJOI Gabriel Cyrille, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cameroon);
• EMAH NGONO Line Murielle, Catholic University of Central Africa (Cameroon);
• ATANGANA BAMELA Hyacinthe, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cameroon);
• FRU ANWI Agnes Herdrick, University of Yaoundé II (Cameroon);
• KANA Colins Etienne, University of Dschang (Cameroon);
• MACCARD BADINGA CITALA Marcel, University of Mbujimayi (Democratic Republic of Congo);
• NARKE Jean Cyrille, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cameroon);
• NEH FRU Mary Immaculate, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cameroon);
• NGA NGONO Achille, Catholic University of Central Africa (Cameroon);
• YANGO DJOMO Nadine Mirelle, Catholic University of Central Africa (Cameroon).

Scientific Committee

• AKONO ONGBA SEDENA, University of Bertoua, Cameroon;
• ALLADIN Judicael, University of Montreal, Canada;
• AMOUGUI GALAOUA Pulchérie, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon;
• ANIMBOM Paul, University of Bamenda, Cameroon;
• ANUOLUWAPO Jolaoso, University of Lagos, Nigeria;
• BELPORO Christelle, University of Montreal, Canada;
• BIGOMBE LOGO Patrice, GRAPS/University of Yaoundé II, Center for Research and Action for Sustainable Development in Central Africa, Cameroon;
• EBENE Jean Louis, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon;
• ELAT, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Cameroon;
• ESSAMA MEKONGO Pierrette, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon;
• ESSIEN Eddy Bruno, Charles University, Czech Republic;
• GASSI MATAGO Estelle, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon;
• HAUMONT Francis, Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium;
• JILEFACK AMIN NGAMI, McGill University, Canada;
• KARBO Tony, University of Peace-Africa, Ethiopia;
• KENFACK Pierre Etienne, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon;
• MACHIKOU NGAMENI Nadine, University of Dschang, Cameroon;
• MC QUINN Mark, University of London, United Kingdom;
• MEHARI FISSEHA, University of Granada, Spain;
• MULAMBA Ingrid, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo;
• NGUESSELE Ornella, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon;
• NJIFON NJOYA Hassan, University of Buea, Cameroon;
• OUMBA Parfait, Catholic University of Central Africa, Cameroon;
• TAMASSANG Christopher FUNWE, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon;
• TOUSSE DJOU Josiane, University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon;
• ZOBO Claude Alvine, Institute of International Relations of Cameroon.

Representative References

Hoyte, S. (2025). « Les Baka, un modelé ancestral pour préserver les forêts du Cameroun », The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/les-baka-un-modele-ancestral-pour-preserver-les-forets-du-cameroun-252956

Mbembe, A. (2000) De la postcolonie. Essai sur l’imagination politique dans l’Afrique contemporaine, Paris : Karthala, 293p.

Mbeng D. & Engamba, L. (2023). « Coopération culturelle et tourisme à l’aune de « la Ceinture et la Route » entre la Chine-Afrique : enjeux et défis des dynamiques transitionnelles », Revue d’Études Sino-Africaines (RÉSA), Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 81-93

Mudimbe, V.-Y. (1988) The Invention of Africa: Gnosis, Philosophy, and the Order of Knowledge (African Systems of Thought), Indiana University Press,

Ndjounguep, J. (2019) « La cartographie participative, un outil au service de la gouvernance foncière », African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences, 2 (3), 52-72.

Ostrom, E. (2015). Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for CollectiveAction. Cambridge University Press

Santos, B. de S. (2014). Epistemologies of the South: Justice Against Epistemicide. 1st Edition, Routledge, 284p.

Zoyem & Mbih (2021). « Risk Assessment of Chemical Pollution of Industrial Effluents from a Soap Production Plant », Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 931-940.