Cultural Heritage Conservation in Digital Age within West African Societies of Lesotho

Lesotho is a small country in southern Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. The digital age has brought both opportunities and challenges to preserving this heritage. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilising interviews with local practitioners, community leaders, and cultural experts. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured discussions and observation of existing digital preservation initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for culturally sensitive digitization techniques to ensure authenticity and relevance in digital archives. A significant proportion (60%) of respondents expressed concern about data loss due to outdated technology infrastructure. The findings underscore the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into digital preservation strategies to maintain the integrity and accessibility of West African heritage within a global digital context. Recommendations include developing localized digital preservation guidelines, fostering partnerships between traditional custodians and tech experts, and improving access to modern technology infrastructure for under-resourced communities.