The Future is Ancient: Why We Need Indigenous Technology
Since the beginning of
time, humans have sought to improve the quality of their earthly experience
through technology. The oldest iron smelting site in the world, located in
Lejja, Nsukka, in Enugu State, Nigeria dates to 2631-2458 BCE (Kentake, 2026).
Since then, humans have evolved to the industrial age, the computer age and now
the age of Artificial Intelligence. Though AI has proven useful in many cases,
it has also proven detrimental to our health and the environment through data
centers.
Elan Pavlinich in the Dangers
of Data Centers, describes data centers as “…large facilities containing computer servers used for data
storage, data analytics, generative AI, and streaming services” (Pavlinich,
2026, para. 1). Data centers
cause health damage in two major ways: noise pollution and light pollution. The equipment used to create data centers is
loud and upon installation, creates a buzzing noise that may exceed 90 decibels,
five decibels above what is considered harmful to hearing. Data centers
generate light pollution. Facilities often require all-night lighting which
affects the body’s natural circadian rhythm and sleep/wake cycles. It also
affects migration and habitation patterns among birds, butterflies, turtles,
and so on (Pavlinich, 2026).
There are also numerous
articles and Youtube videos about the negative impact of data centers on
ancestral lands. From my perspective, it is perhaps a great idea to return to indigenous
and sustainable ways of developing and working with AI in the coming decade.
There isn’t a single
definition of indigenous peoples, knowledge or technology. According to the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, indigenous
knowledge is “the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by
societies with a long history of interacting with their natural surroundings” (UNESCO, n.d.). From this definition, one can
infer that indigenous people have a long history of interacting with their
environment, and for this reason, know what is fundamentally best for their
environment and community. From my perspective, based on research and personal
observations, indigenous technology falls into three categories.
1.
Magic systems as technology: The idea that
certain magic systems hold secrets to advanced scientific methods that are
sustainable but have been regulated to myth or superstition. Example: the Ifa/Afa
oracle system based on binary numbers that are foundational to modern-day
computers and AI oracle systems like ChatGPT and Claude. These systems still
have a role in the development of AI, in the preservation of indigenous
languages, cultures and sustainable ways of living.
2.
Local community innovations using raw
materials: Supporting and funding technology from underprivileged communities
that solve problems within the inner and greater community in a sustainable
manner. This also includes initiatives that involve working alongside the elders
of these communities in the creation of new technologies.
3.
Sustainable technology: Researching and
advocating for mainstream technologies that enhance and promote sustainability
as well as the use of alternative energy methods (solar, wind, etc.) in the
development of data centers and AI.
There are some people who
argue against data centers and the rapid growth of AI. From my perspective, AI has become so entrenched in our daily lives
that the only foreseeable solution to some of the problems it creates is to seek
alternative solutions. The concepts highlighted above each deserve further
description, which I will be tackling in my next article.
About The Author
Ebele Chizea is a Writer
and Software Developer. Her writings, poetry, and novel (Foreward Indies Gold
Winner, Aquarian Dawn) often highlight environmental issues as well as so
called magical systems or technologies within the indigenous framework of her Igbo
Nigerian heritage.
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