Angela Nsen Tem (Catholic University of Central Africa)

Violent conflicts and wars have plagued Africa for decades, prompting the UN to advocate for preventive diplomacy. However, current conflict prevention approaches neglect indigenous preventive practices, such as folk pedagogy in Isu. This study aims to explore the potential of Isu proverbs as a form of folk pedagogy for conflict prevention and management, examining how these proverbs embody norms and values that can contribute to peaceful resolutions. The study relies on secondary data from Zih (2018) to analyze Isu proverbs related to conflict prevention. Proverbs emphasizing secrecy, equitable resource distribution, accountability, wisdom, and warnings were selected for in-depth examination.
The analysis reveals that Isu proverbs contain valuable insights and guidelines for conflict resolution and management, emphasizing important factors such as wisdom, accountability, and equitable resource distribution. This research highlights the significance of indigenous knowledge systems, such as folk pedagogy, in addressing conflicts. It emphasizes the cultural richness and wisdom embedded in Isu proverbs that can offer valuable lessons for conflict prevention on a broader scale. Secondary data was sourced from Zih (2018), focusing on Isu proverbs. Proverbs highlighting key themes related to conflict prevention were selected for detailed analysis to uncover their potential applications. The study addresses how Isu proverbs can be utilized for conflict prevention and management, exploring the relationship between these proverbs and functionalism within the context of resolving conflicts. Isu proverbs represent a valuable resource for conflict prevention and management, embodying essential principles such as wisdom, accountability, and equitable resource distribution. Embracing indigenous knowledge systems like folk pedagogy can enrich conflict resolution strategies.

February 13, 2026 | 1:00 pm (Mountain Time)

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