This article offers an in-depth exploration of the traditional pilotis fishing structures of the Enya ethnic group, based near Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through an analysis of design principles, the use of local materials, construction techniques, and environmental adaptation, the study unveils a sophisticated and sustainable vernacular engineering system. By comparing this indigenous expertise with modern engineering approaches, the article highlights the potential of Enya knowledge to inspire engineering solutions that are better suited to resource-limited contexts, more resilient to environmental challenges, and rooted in community-based practices. The conclusion emphasises the importance of recognising and valuing vernacular engineering not only as cultural heritage but also as a wellspring of innovation for globally sustainable development.
Cite this paper
Biambala, P. B. , Lunduku, A. L. , Mulunda, A. F. , Oli, D. , Belya, F. L. , Ayka, H. E. , Bonyoma, H. L. , Lipaso, K. S. , Mondombele, P. N. , Likwela, P. P. and Ramazani, R. E. D. (2025). Indigenous Knowledge of the Enya People in Traditional Fishing Structures on Pilotis as a Basis for Engineering. Open Access Library Journal, 12, e13851. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1113851.
Shephard, S., Muhindo, J., Nyumu, J., Mbangale, E., Nziavake, S., Cerutti, P., et al. (2023) Uneven Transmission of Traditional Knowledge and Skills in a Changing Wildmeat Sys-tem: Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Frontiers in Conservation Sci-ence, 4, Article ID: 1278699. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1278699
Dhedya Lonu, M.-B., Sarmiento Barletti, J.P. and Larson, A. (2023) In DRC, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ In-clusion in REDD Remains a Work in Progress. Forests News.
Berkes, F., Colding, J. and Folke, C. (2003) Navigating Social-Ecological Systems: Building Resilience for Complexity and Change. Cambridge University Press.
Fuentes-Pérez, J.F., Bravo-Córdoba, F.J., García-Vega, A., Eckert, M., Branco, P. and Sanz-Ronda, F.J. (2024) The Effect of Hydrological Variability on Stepped Fishways. Journal of Hydrology, 643, 132001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.132001
Magni, G. (2017) Indigenous Knowledge and Implications for the Sustainable Development Agenda. European Journal of Education, 52, 437-447. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12238
Lauer, M. and Aswani, S. (2009) Indigenous Ecological Knowledge as Situated Practices: Understanding Fishers’ Knowledge in the Western Solomon Islands. American Anthropologist, 111, 317-329. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-1433.2009.01135.x
Prana, A.M., Dio-nisio, R., Curl, A., Hart, D., Gomez, C., Apriyanto, H., et al. (2024) Informal Ad-aptation to Flooding in North Jakarta, Indonesia. Progress in Planning, 186, Ar-ticle ID: 100851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progress.2024.100851
Obiero, K.O., Klemet-N’Guessan, S., Migeni, A.Z. and Achieng, A.O. (2023) Bridging Indige-nous and Non-Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Resources from East to West Africa. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 49, S128-S137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2022.12.001
Latulippe, N. (2025) Race, Indigenous Knowledge, and a Relational Alternative in Fisheries Policy Research. Marine Policy, 175, Article ID: 106600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106600
Armatas, C.A., Venn, T.J., McBride, B.B., Watson, A.E. and Carver, S.J. (2016) Opportunities to Utilize Traditional Phenological Knowledge to Support Adaptive Management of So-cial-Ecological Systems Vulnerable to Changes in Climate and Fire Regimes. Ecology and Society, 21, Article No. 16. https://doi.org/10.5751/es-07905-210116
Zidny, R., Sjöström, J. and Eilks, I. (2020) A Multi-Perspective Reflection on How Indigenous Knowledge and Related Ideas Can Improve Science Education for Sustainability. Science & Education, 29, 145-185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-019-00100-x
McKemey, M., Ens, E., Rangers, Y.M., Costello, O. and Reid, N. (2020) Indigenous Knowledge and Seasonal Calendar Inform Adaptive Savanna Burning in Northern Australia. Sustainability, 12, Article No. 995. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12030995
de Beer, J. and Whitlock, G. (2009) The Potential of Indigenous Games in the Teaching of Environmental Concepts. Southern African Journal of Environmental Education, 26, 141-152.
Fletcher, M., Hamilton, R., Dressler, W. and Palmer, L. (2021) Indigenous Knowledge and the Shackles of Wilderness. Proceedings of the Na-tional Academy of Sciences, 118, e2022218118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2022218118
Jegede, O.J. (1995) Collat-eral Learning and the Eco-Cultural Paradigm in Science and Mathematics Edu-cation in Africa. Studies in Science Education, 25, 97-137. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057269508560051
Costa, V.B. (1995) When Science Is “Other”: Experiences of Black Girls in an Affluent Middle School. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 32, 313-333.
McGregor, D. (2004) Coming Full Circle: Indigenous Knowledge, Science, and Knowledge Politics in Environmental Management. The Canadian Geographer, 48, 481-507.
Ngalula-Ngalula, M. (2002) De quelques aspects évolutifs du rituel de l’initiation Cwo des Wagenia de Kisangani (Congo Zaïre). Africa (Rome), 57, 270-285.
