This paper is based on two case studies of Uganda and Zimbabwe. It gives a brief overview of
Traditional Knowledge (TK) and defines the key concepts: TK/IK, Intellectual Property and
repackaging of information. Through observation, face to face interviews and literature analysis,
the paper discusses: Role of Higher Education Institutions in promoting TK, challenges of TK
with special reference to challenges related to characteristics of TK, Challenges of protecting TK
and Challenges of Repackaging TK. The paper further discusses women’s role in the
preservation of TK and the reasons why traditional knowledge is lowly appreciated with
recommendations towards repackaging traditional knowledge to spur development.