Harnessing indigenous geological knowledge (IGK) in Ethiopia: a systematic review of traditional practices, interpretations, and contemporary relevance

Indigenous geological knowledge (IGK) constitutes a vital but often overlooked dimension of Earth science, developed through centuries or millennia of community observation, cultural practice, and direct interaction with the environment. In Ethiopia, a country characterized by diverse landscapes, active tectonic zones, and rich cultural heritage, local communities have long interpreted geological phenomena such as rock formations, mineral presence, volcanic eruptions, and groundwater signals through context-specific, place-based knowledge systems. Despite its profound potential in geoscience, natural resource management, and environmental education, IGK remains marginalized in mainstream scientific discourse, institutional policy, and formal education. This review critically examines the scope, depth, and contemporary relevance of IGK in Ethiopia by analysing traditional interpretations and their linkages to current geoscientific challenges. A systematic review approach was used, following PRISMA guidelines. Data were gathered from academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and grey literature, using search terms like ‘Indigenous knowledge,’ ‘geology,’ ‘Ethiopia,’ ‘traditional geoscience,’ and ‘ethnogeology.’ Inclusion criteria covered studies published from 1995 to 2025 that document local geological interpretations, geophysical phenomena, or traditional resource-use practices. From an initial pool of 311 documents, 50 were selected for full thematic analysis. The findings reveal five core thematic areas: traditional rock and soil classifications; local understandings of volcanic and seismic activity; Indigenous hydrogeological indicators; perceptions of land degradation and erosion; and cosmological or spiritual associations with geological features. These knowledge systems are intricately woven into community identity and environmental stewardship, often passed down orally across generations. IGK offers valuable insights for enhancing geoscientific research, supporting sustainable land use, and developing culturally grounded education. Integrating IGK into formal scientific frameworks can also strengthen disaster risk reduction and environmental governance. This review calls for inclusive academic platforms and responsive policy frameworks to validate, preserve, and integrate Indigenous geological knowledge within Ethiopia’s broader development agenda.