Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Ecological Pest Control and Post-Harvest Rice Conservation Techniques: Sustainability Lessons from Baduy Communities

Alexis Habiyaremye,Leeja Korina

doi:10.3390/su13169148

Alexis Habiyaremye, Leeja Korina

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169148

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Abstract

With the impending threat of global climate change, the past decades have witnessed an increasing recognition of the potential contribution of indigenous knowledge to tackling global challenges of environmental sustainability. In this study, we used a qualitative analysis of data collected in September 2018 from key informant interviews and focus group discussion sessions in the Baduy communities in western Java to examine how their swidden cultivation, pest control and rice preservation techniques contribute to strengthening the sustainability of their livelihoods. The study also examines the potential for knowledge sharing between Baduy indigenous knowledge holders and outside scientific communities for mutual enhancement. Our analysis of collected data indicates that while the Baduy are open to sharing their ecological knowledge with outsiders for the sake of a greater environment protection, they remain wary of adopting external knowledge sources, as these external influences constitute a threat of disruption to their own epistemic system and way of life.

Highlights

Similar to what is observed in numerous other indigenous communities, the relationship of Baduy communities to nature constitutes the foundation of the social construction within which their knowledge system is anchored [17]
It is generally agreed that indigenous knowledge systems comprise the local sources of knowledge that are unique to a culture or society
The aptitude and skills for the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity among the indigenous communities are so pervasive because they are inextricably linked to the preservation of their own cultural systems, which have coevolved with these ecosystems [49,50]

Summary

Introduction

The lion’s share of efforts to deal with the afferent challenges has been invested in scientific research with the view to generate modern technological knowledge that addresses ecological concerns.

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion