Cultural Heritage Preservation in Digital West Africa: An Overview of Practices and Challenges

Cultural heritage preservation in digital contexts is increasingly important for safeguarding intangible cultural elements such as oral traditions and traditional practices across West Africa. A survey approach was employed to collect data from stakeholders including community leaders, local museums, and traditional healers. Questionnaires were administered through online platforms to gather qualitative insights. The survey revealed that while there is growing awareness about digital preservation in Somalia, the implementation of these practices varies significantly across different sectors and regions, with a notable challenge being the limited access to digital resources and technical expertise. Despite these challenges, there is a strong potential for enhancing cultural heritage preservation through collaborative efforts among stakeholders. Stakeholders should collaborate more closely to share knowledge and resources. Funding mechanisms need to be established to support the development of digital infrastructure in remote areas. Cultural Heritage, Digital Preservation, Somalia, West Africa