Role Of Indigenous Knowledge In Enhancing Household Food Security: A Case Study Of Mukungwe, Masaka District, Central Uganda

Abstract

This study examined and documented the role of indigenous knowledge in enhancing household food security in Uganda focussing on Mukungwe sub-county, Masaka district. It specifically identified the indigenous practices which enhances household food security; determined the extent of use indigenous knowledge versus western knowledge in enhancing household food security; identified the factors that limit the use of indigenous practices in enhancing food security. The data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, personal interviews and group discussions. The finding showed that many people depend on the use of indigenous knowledge practices in sustaining subsistence farming and enhancing household food security. Majority of farmers mulch their crops using local materials like coffee husks while others use locally concocted pesticides to control pests such as maize stem borers and cabbage diamondback moths. Use of locally made mortars and stones to pound and grind foodstuffs such as groundnuts was common. Fresh cassava and potato tubers were buried into the soil to increase their shelf-life. There is a need to build strong awareness programs by extension agents on indigenous knowledge systems in order for farmers to appreciate its role in enhancing household food security in especially rural areas where the factors of production is scarce. Keywords : Local knowledge, indigenous practices, food security, Uganda. Indilinga Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 64-71