Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Science for Sustainable Adaptation: A Systematic Review

This chapter presents a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of scholarly literature on the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and climate science in advancing sustainable climate change adaptation, with a particular emphasis on Africa. Drawing on publications indexed in the Scopus database between 2005 and 2025, the study explores key themes, publication trends, and the evolving discourse around Indigenous-led climate adaptation practices. Utilizing VOSviewer for network visualizations, the review identifies adaptation strategies in agriculture, the central role of IKS in resilience-building, and the intersection of climate adaptation with gender and power dynamics within Indigenous communities. Emerging from the study, IKS provides context-specific, culturally embedded solutions to climate challenges, especially in agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and natural resource management. However, integration with mainstream climate science remains hindered by epistemological divides, a lack of policy recognition, and limited institutional support. The review highlights key contributors to the field and reveals uneven scholarly engagement across regions and disciplines. This chapter argues for a paradigm shift that recognizes the epistemic value of Indigenous knowledge (IK) alongside scientific approaches. The implications for theory, policy, and practice emphasize the need for inclusive frameworks that protect Indigenous intellectual property, promote ethical collaboration, and empower communities through co-produced knowledge systems. Bridging IKS with formal climate science is not only a matter of justice but also a critical step towards achieving more equitable and sustainable climate adaptation pathways.