Abstract:
In developing countries including Tanzania, traditional medicine and healing knowledge are
increasingly utilised, and play a crucial role in healthcare. However, such knowledge often faces
negative associations with witchcraft. This study explored perspectives from holy books and
religious leaders regarding the management of traditional medicine and healing knowledge, the role
of religion in the process, the potential efficacy of traditional healing knowledge for common health
conditions, and the reasons behind the association with witchcraft. A mixed research approach was
employed. Religious leaders formed the population of this study. Data were collected through semi structured face-to-face interviews with religious leaders, supplemented with documentary review.
Data from face-to-face interviews were qualitatively analysed through thematic content analysis
before it was coded and analysed through SPSS for numeric descriptions. Results underscored the
vital role of traditional medicine and healing knowledge in Tanzania’s healthcare. Religious leaders
and holy books recognised the necessity for managing such knowledge. Despite available religious
texts describing traditional practices and their potential efficacy, religious leaders in the study area
did not actively support the management of such knowledge, but rather associated it with
witchcraft. The association with witchcraft arises from misunderstandings and societal biases
introduced by foreign religions, early traders, and colonialists. The conclusion has been that
although religious organisations played no role in the management of such knowledge, holy books,
and religious leaders acknowledged the importance of doing that. Impoverishing, demonising, and
disregarding were due to colonialism. The implications for managing knowledge in this context
have also been provided.
