AI-Driven Content Retrieval: Exploring the OvaHimba Repository (OMU-REP)

Researchers from the Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Cluster at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) have been actively engaging with the OvaHimba community to co- design technologies aimed at preserving the OvaHimba cultural heritage. This collaboration has led to the development of the OMU-REP, a digital repository dedicated to safeguarding IK and preserving the cultural heritage of the OvaHimba people. However, a challenge has been identified with content retrievability within the OMU-REP. For instance, when community elders seek information related to medicine they must conduct thorough searches through the repository, which is time-consuming and often inaccurate especially for elders unfamiliar with technology. The objective of this study is to incorporate an AI algorithm to assist with content retrievability in the OMU-REP. This involves identifying a suitable algorithm through literature review and training it to understand the language preserved in the OMU-REP. A mixed-method approach will be employed for this study. The quantitative aspect will involve identifying and analyzing various algorithms through a literature review to compare their effectiveness. The qualitative aspect will involve gathering insights and experiences from participants through focus group discussions, as well as educating them on AI algorithms. The study aims to recommend and implement a suitable AI algorithm to enhance content retrievability for community elders. This AI algorithm is expected to improve the accuracy of content retrieval by ensuring it understands and recognizes the language preserved in the OMU-REP.