Cultural Heritage Preservation in West Africa within the Digital Age Context: An Ethnographic Exploration

Cultural heritage preservation in West Africa is an evolving field of study within African studies. The digital age has introduced new challenges and opportunities for preserving cultural traditions, particularly in contexts where technology may not be widely accessible or utilised. The research methodology employed is an ethnographic approach, involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis among selected communities in Egypt. Data was collected from February to April , ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the digital strategies used for cultural heritage preservation. Participants reported that while some saw significant benefits such as increased visibility and outreach, others faced challenges related to technological access disparities and authenticity concerns in their digital cultural projects. The findings suggest a mixed reception with varying degrees of success across different communities. This study underscores the importance of understanding local contexts when integrating digital tools for cultural preservation efforts. It highlights both potential benefits and practical obstacles that must be navigated to effectively utilise technology for heritage conservation in Egypt. Recommendations include developing tailored digital solutions, enhancing community engagement through education and capacity building programmes, and fostering partnerships between traditional authorities and tech-savvy youth to address the challenges identified. These strategies aim to create sustainable and inclusive digital cultural preservation practices that resonate with local needs and values.