Use Of Indigenous Knowledge Research Articles

English

Organic farming as a sustainable agricultural approach is a growing concept in South West Nigeria. This study investigated the attitude of vegetable farmers toward organic agriculture practices in South West Nigeria and the determinants of their attitude. Cluster sampling was used to select 315 farmers from list obtained from the farmers’ cooperative societies. Farmers were interviewed in person. Attitude was measured as a pooled score of respondents’ responses to 25 positive and negative statements made on a five point Likert scale. Data was analysed using frequency counts, percentages, means and a probit regression model. A majority of the farmers had positive attitude toward organic agriculture practices. The most important attitudinal statement ranked by the farmers was that organic agriculture strengthens the use of indigenous knowledge (4.55). The results of the probit model revealed that farm size, farming experience, household size, membership of organization and sources of information  (t = 0254, 0.089, 0.125,0.694, 0.021, p<0.01) respectively showed a positive relationship with attitude toward organic farming practices. Therefore, there is need for effective linkage of research systems with extension services on relevant organic practices, as a build up to traditional farming, adaptable and sustainable to local conditions of vegetable farmers.    Key words: Organic agriculture, vegetable farmers, attitude, linkage, South West Nigeria.

Use of Indigenous knowledge in seasonal weather forecasting in semi-arid central Tanzania

Abstract This article is based on part of findings of a PhD study that was carried out to determine how farmers have used indigenous knowledge (IK) to adapt to climate change and variability in the semi-arid region of central Tanzania. Two villages, Maluga and Chibelela, were used as the case studies. The study applied Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory and model. The study which predominantly adopted a qualitative approach used a post-positivist paradigm. The study population was made up of farmers, agricultural extension officers and the Climate Change Adaptation in Africa project manager. The principal data collection methods were interviews and focus group discussions. The qualitative data collected were subjected to content analysis whereas quantitative data were analysed with the help of SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the farmers in the two villages under study perceived conventional information on weather as unreliable and untimely. Consequently, the farmers turned to IK to predict weather patterns and make the necessary farming adjustments. It was established that uncertainty about seasonal weather forecasts was one of the most critical factors which forced farmers to continue using IK. Moreover, farmers’ knowledge of birds, insects, plants, animals, wind direction and astronomical indicators was used to predict weather patterns. The recommendations include the provision of timely and accurate weather forecast information to the farmers to enhance their coping and adaptation strategies under varying climate conditions; and a clear policy framework on the dissemination of information related to weather patterns in rural Tanzania.

Smallholder Farmers’ Responses to Rainfall Variability and Soil Fertility Problems by the Use of Indigenous Knowledge in Chipepo, Southern Zambia

The study conducted in Southern Zambia investigated smallholder farmers’ use of indigenous knowledge to respond to rainfall variations and soil fertility problems. Farmer and key informant interviews and observations were employed to collect data. A total of 60 smallholder farmers and 6 key informants were interviewed. Chipepo lies in the low rainfall region of Zambia. Its upland area faces moisture stress and soil fertility problems compared to its valley areas located along tributaries of the Zambezi River. The annual flooding of the tributaries of the Zambezi River along the valley fields results in loss of crop yields. Farmers have responded to problems of low moisture in the upland fields and too much moisture in the river valley fields through crop diversification concentrated on three main food crops namely; maize, sorghum and bulrush millet. These differ not only in their moisture requirements but also in maturity periods. Drought tolerant early maturing crop varieties and off-farm activities enhance their resilience. Maize was planted in river valley fields due to its high water requirements while drought tolerant sorghum and millet were planted on upland fields. The farmers’ knowledge of particular flowering plants helped forecast the onset of rains for purposes of early planting. Farmers with upland fields have adopted indigenous soil classification techniques based on vegetation types, soil colour, and texture and soil workability and utilize particular soils for specific crops. Integrating this indigenous knowledge into modern technologies will enhance smallholder farmers’ resilience when faced with impacts of climate change and variability.

Indigenous Knowledge use in seasonal weather forecasting in Tanzania : the case of semi-arid central Tanzania

This paper is based on part of the findings of a PhD study that was carried out to determine how farmers have used indigenous knowledge (IK) to adapt to climate change and variability in the semi-arid region of central Tanzania. Two villages, Maluga and Chibelela, were used as the case studies. The study applied Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations theory and model. It adopted a predominantly qualitative approach and a post-positivist paradigm. The study population was made up of farmers, agricultural extension officers and the Climate Change Adaptation in Africa project manager. The principal data collection methods were interviews and focus group discussions. The qualitative data collected were subjected to content analysis whereas quantitative data were analysed with the help of SPSS to generate descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the farmers in the two villages under study perceive conventional information on weather as unreliable and untimely. Consequently, the farmers turned to IK to predict weather patterns and make the necessary farming adjustments. It was established that uncertainty about seasonal weather forecasts is one of the most critical factors which forces farmers to continue using IK. Farmers' knowledge of birds, insects, plants, animals, wind direction and astronomical indicators is used to predict weather patterns. The recommendations include the provision of timely and accurate weather forecast information to the farmers to enhance their coping and adaptation strategies under varying climate conditions; and a clear policy framework on the dissemination of information related to weather patterns in rural Tanzania.

Ethnochemistry and Human Rights

Any effort where drugs, supplements, and other high value products have been developed as an outgrowth of ethnochemical knowledge should acknowledge the community from which the knowledge originated. This community should receive some form of reciprocal gain. Such reciprocity could be in the form of technology transfer and training, and in the event that a compound is successfully commercialized, royalty payments. This is a crucial topic that needs to be discussed among chemists. A key point is that recently the United Nations General Assembly has adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [1], which includes the right to self-determination. We encourage chemists to recognize and defend this right. The relationship between science and the human rights of indigenous groups has often been a difficult one [2], with the history of drug discovery being particularly problematic. Ethnochemical development can be viewed as a 2-step process: One is the use of indigenous knowledge as a starting point for chemicals as leads. The second is advancing the chemical leads, by further testing and patenting of them. As chemists, we remember the second, but usually fail to recognize the importance of the first.

“Unwritten, unsaid, just known”: the role of Indigenous knowledge(s) in water planning in Australia

Water planning processes in Australia have struggled to account for Indigenous interests and rights in water, including the use of Indigenous knowledge in water management. In exploring the role of Indigenous knowledge in government-led water planning processes, how might tensions between Western scientific and Indigenous knowledges be lessened? Drawing on two case studies from northern Australia we examine how Indigenous knowledge is represented and managed as a different social knowledge to that of Western science in a management context where legal and planning conventions assume priority. The role of Indigenous (social) knowledges in developing options and strategies for sustainable water management is contingent upon the participation of Indigenous people in water planning. We suggest that water planning processes must contain the possibility of an explicit approach to mutual recognition and consequent translation of the conceptual and pragmatic bases of water management and planning in both Western scientific and Indigenous domains.

Use of Indigenous Knowledge as a Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation among Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Policy

The study discusses use of indigenous knowledge as a strategy for climate change adaptation among farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The local farmers in this region through the indigenous knowledge systems have developed and implemented extensi ve adaptation strategies that have enabled them reduce vulnerability to climate variability and change over the years. However, this knowledge is rarely taken into consideration in the design and implementation of modern mitigation and adaptation strategie s. This paper highlights some indigenous adaptation strategies that have been practiced in sub Saharan Africa and the benefits of integrating such indigenous knowledge into formal climate change adaptation strategies. The study recommends the need to incor porate indigenous knowledge into climate change policies that can lead to the development of effective adaptation strategies that are cost -effective, participatory and sustainable.

The Resilience of Indigenous Knowledge in Small-scale African Agriculture: Key Drivers

The successful use of indigenous knowledge (IK) in development practice in rural Africa over the last couple of decades has proved to be elusive and disappointing. Using empirical field data from northern Malawi, this study suggests that the two key drivers for farmers in this area are household food security and the maintenance of soil fertility. Indigenous ways of knowing underpin the agricultural system which has been developed, rather than the adoption of more modern, ‘scientific’ ways, to deliver against these drivers. Such IKs, however, are deeply embedded in the economic, social and cultural environments in which they operate.

Boundary Work: Engaging Knowledge Systems in Co-management of Feral Animals on Indigenous Lands

The integration and use of Indigenous knowledge to inform contemporary environmental policy decisions and management solutions is a growing global phenomenon. However, there is little critical inquiry about how the interactions between scientific and Indigenous knowledge (IK) systems can be effectively negotiated for the joint management of social-ecological systems. Such issues are urgent on Indigenous lands where co-management efforts respond to pressing conservation agendas and where the contribution of scientific knowledge and IK is required to better understand and manage complex social-ecological systems. We draw on the notion of boundary work to examine how interaction at the boundaries of scientific and IK systems can be managed effectively as a contribution to co-management. The case study of feral animal co-management in Australia’s Kakadu National Park illuminates the work required for local co-managers to bridge the divide between scientific and IK systems and to ensure the translation of knowledge for management decisions. Attributes of effective boundary work demonstrated in this case include: meaningful participation in agenda setting and joint knowledge production to enable co-managers to translate available knowledge into joint feral animal programs, Indigenous and non-Indigenous ranger efforts to broker interactions between knowledge systems that are supported by co-governance arrangements to ensure that boundary work remains accountable, and the production of collaboratively built boundary objects (e.g., feral animal impact assessment data) that helps to coordinate local action between co-managers. This case study illustrates the contribution of boundary work to local co-manager efforts to translate across knowledge systems and across the knowledge-action divide, even when consensus is difficult to achieve.

Human development index literacy as a new social development theory

This article reviews the four major theories of development by which the advancement of the modern world has been explained since Adam Smith's The wealth of nations; these major theories include the classical economic theory, the neoclassical economic theory, the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare theory and the Human Development Index theory. It traces the story of each of the theories and reveals that the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare and Human Development Index are now accepted as better theories of development. However, the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare and Human Development Index theories have been found here to be deficient in participatory attributes and not to promote the exploration and use of indigenous knowledge in the process of development planning and implementation. Consequently, this article proposes the Human Development Index Literacy Theory of social development as a new and alternative development theory that is not only human-centred but also participatory in its approach to development planning and execution.

Indigenous knowledge of HIV/AIDS among High School students in Namibia

BackgroundThe use of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can help students to form schemas for interpreting local phenomena through the prism of what they already know. The formation of schemas related to HIV/AIDS risk perception and prevention is important for individuals to form local meanings of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The objective of this study was to explore the indigenous names and symptoms of HIV/AIDS among High School students in NamibiaMethodsFocus group discussions were used to collect qualitative data on indigenous names and symptoms of HIV/AIDS from students in 18 secondary schools located in six education regions. Data were grouped into themes.ResultsPeople living with HIV/AIDS were called names meaning prostitute: ihule, butuku bwa sihule, and shikumbu. Names such askibutu bwa masapo (bone disease),katjumba (a young child),kakithi (disease), andshinangele (very thin person) were used to describe AIDS. Derogatory names like mbwa (dog), esingahogo (pretender), ekifi (disease), and shinyakwi noyana (useless person) were also used. Other terms connoted death (zeguru, heaven; omudimba, corpse), fear (simbandembande, fish eagle; katanga kamufifi, (hot ball), and subtle meaning using slang words such as 4 × 4, oondanda ne (four letters), desert soul, and mapilelo (an AIDS service organization). Typical (body wasting) and non-typical (big head, red eyes) symptoms of HIV were also revealed.ConclusionsThe study determined students' IK of the names and symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Programmes to prevent/manage adolescent HIV infection and stigma may be strengthened if they take students' indigenous understandings of the disease on board.

Voracious Intellectual Property Hunting Traditional Knowledge

Problems experienced by indigenous peoples in trying to protect their traditional knowledge under intellectual property laws stem mainly from the failure of traditional knowledge to satisfy requirements for intellectual protections. Alternatively, where intellectual property protection could potentially apply to such knowledge, the prohibitive costs of registering and defending a patent or other intellectual property right may curtail effective protection. There has been a clear bias in the operation of these laws in favor of the creative efforts of corporations, for example, pharmaceutical and other industries in industrialized nations. Within the context of scientific progress, modern intellectual property laws have allowed these industries to monopolize the benefits derived from their use of indigenous knowledge with disregard for the moral rights and material (financial) interests of indigenous peoples themselves. Many incompatibilities between traditional knowledge and IPRs have begun to surface with the rapid global acceptance of Western concepts and standards for intellectual property. These incompatibilities appear when ownership of traditional knowledge is inappropriately claimed or traditional knowledge is used by individuals or corporations that belong to local communities, primarily in developing countries. An important purpose of recognizing private proprietary rights is to enable individuals to benefit from the products of their intellect by rewarding creativity and encouraging further innovation and invention. But in many indigenous world-views, any such property rights, if they are recognized at all, should be extended to the entire community. They are a means of maintaining and developing group identity as well as group survival, rather than promoting or encouraging individual economic gain.

Community-based natural resources management in Eritrea and Ethiopia: toward a comparative institutional analysis

Community-based natural resources management (CNRM), which emphasizes community empowerment, participation and enhanced use of indigenous knowledge in resources and environmental management, is an increasingly popular discourse for sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its popularity, CNRM faces various discursive and institutional challenges in countries with a recent history of top-down development. This paper provides a comparative examination of the specific historical, ideological and political contexts behind discourses, policies and institutions for and against community-based resources and environmental management in Ethiopia and Eritrea. There is a need for greater emphasis on communal rights to pastoral, agricultural and forest resources, in contrast to the continued support for a neo-Malthusian dispensation of environmental rehabilitation or reclamation which still reigns supreme in both Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Indigenous medicinal knowledge of the San people: the case of Farm Six, Northern Namibia

The San are among the most marginalized people in Namibia. The San have often relied on indigenous knowledge for survival, particularly since access to resources has proved to be difficult. This study explores the use of indigenous knowledge by a particular San community living on Farm Six, located in the Mangetti West area north of Tsumeb. In particular, the study focuses on the use of indigenous knowledge with regard to traditional medicine. Apart from considerations of the commercial and legal issues concerning the exploitation of the devil’s claw and hoodia plant, little has been published about the medicinal properties of San remedies. The findings indicate that the community relies on indigenous knowledge as their main means of treating most illnesses. While the community believes traditional remedies are effective in treating several conditions, they have also turned to herbal treatments because of a lack of access to modern health care: the nearest clinic is over 50 km away, transport is scarce, and a Ministry of Health and Social Services outreach team has not visited the camp for over 2 years. However, it was impossible to establish the medical efficacy of most of these remedies as their properties and effects have not been studied in detail.

Use of Indigenous Knowledge for Conservation and Development of Fishing Career at the Lampao Dam in Northeast

Problem statement: The problem of examining this title was caused by building the Lampao Dam. It was the important cause which threatened the ecosystem. Biological diversities and the quantity of water animals decreased, impacting the way of life of fishermen at Ban Sa-at Na Thom, who had to face poverty and had to struggle hard. This was because the resources in water sources were snatched for uses by villagers. The study purposes were to examine the background of building the Lampao Dam and the use of indigenous knowledge for conservation and development of the fishermen's career. Approach: The case study area was Ban Sa-at Na Thom, Tambon Lamkhlong, Amphoe Muang, Changwat Kalasin. The study procedure was the qualitative research methodology. Data were collected from related literature and field data were collected using structured- and unstructured-interview forms and focused group discussion from 32 informants. The study finding were presented by means of a descriptive analysis. Results: The findings revealed that, for the background of building the Lampao Dam, the construction began in 1963 and completed in 1968. The construction purposes were for flood relief, for agriculture and for recreation. The use of indigenous knowledge relied on the traditional concept by believing in the powers of Phi Pu Ta Phon Phraison (the spirits of villagers' ancestors who guard the forest).They used the belief as the rule to control fishermen not to catch fish in the forbidden area of forgiveness of Chao Pu spirit called "forgiveness water area" of the ancestors' spirit. They used indigenous knowledge of new concept for conservation of fish breeds. This was generated from cooperation in building homes for fish to live in, called "hoe pla" making. Development of fishing career was generated from the use of indigenous knowledge of the new concept of performing activities on the national fishery day. They performed the ritual of life lengthening and activities for the short-term fishing career from nurturing water animals together with the long-term fishing career from conservation tourism by fishing. Conclusion: The fishermen used indigenous knowledge for conserving fish resources using the traditional concept of believing in the powers of Phi Pu Ta and they used indigenous knowledge in the new concept of relying on the state sector and self-reliance and participation of everyone in retaining the fishing career in a short term and a long term. It could reflect building the dam and household economic development which could exist using self-reliant and market system-reliant economy.

An Application of Indigenous Knowledge for Conservation and Development of the Production Process of Silk Cloths

Problem statement: This study generated from the process of production of silk cloths as the Isan (northeast Thailand) identity with complic ated production stages. It takes a long time with l ow compensations and it is unworthy of investment. Isa n people of a new generation have gone to be hired to do other kinds of work. They are not interested in adhering to Isan silk cloth weaving culture. The study purposed were to examine the background of indigenous knowledge concerning Isan silk-cloth identity production and applying the indigenous kno wledge to conservation and development of the production process. Approach: The study was conducted in Isan in these 3 Changwat: The Saket silk- cloth weaving group at Ban Po Phan, Mu 6, Amphoe Mueang, Changwat Roi Et; the Phrae wa silk- cloth weaving group at Ban Phon, Amphoe Kham Muang, Changwat Kalasin and the Yok Thong Phan Takro silk-cloth weaving group at Ban Tha Sawang, Amphoe Mueang, Changwat Surin. Changwat Roi Et, Changwat Kalasin and Changwat Surin. The qualitative research methodology was used. Data were collected from documents and related literature and from field studies by means of interviews and focus group discussion from a group of 90 informant s. The collected data were checked using the triangulation technique. The study findings were pr esented by means of a descriptive analysis. Results: The background of Isan silk-cloth identity product ion, it was found that there was the identity of each specific group, indicating the ethnic group . They had different production processes generated from the use of indigenous knowledge to apply to co nservation and development of the production process. For the current conditions and problems, t he production has complicated stages. People of the new generation are not interested in cloth-weaving culture. Conclusion: Isan silk-cloth identity had different backgrounds in each local area, the produ ction processes are not similar to each other. For all these, it has generated from adherence to culture, application of indigenous to conservation and development of the production process wit the purpo se to be the identity of each specific group.

Framework for integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge for disaster risk reduction

A growing awareness of the value of indigenous knowledge has prompted calls for its use within disaster risk reduction. The use of indigenous knowledge alongside scientific knowledge is increasingly advocated but there is as yet no clearly developed framework demonstrating how the two may be integrated to reduce community vulnerability to environmental hazards. This paper presents such a framework, using a participatory approach in which relevant indigenous and scientific knowledge may be integrated to reduce a community's vulnerability to environmental hazards. Focusing on small island developing states it presents an analysis of the need for such a framework alongside the difficulties of incorporating indigenous knowledge. This is followed by an explanation of the various processes within the framework, drawing on research completed in Papua New Guinea. This framework is an important first step in identifying how indigenous and scientific knowledge may be integrated to reduce community vulnerability to environmental hazards.

Use of indigenous knowledge in the management of field and storage pests around Lake Victoria basin in Tanzania

Agriculture in Lake Victoria basin (LVB) in Tanzania is predominantly subsistence and is characterised by perennial food deficits, cyclic famines and poverty prompted largely by unreliable rainfall patterns, declining soil fertility and food grains pests and diseases. The pest problem is more pronounced as farmers are yet to fully integrate synthetic pesticides into their insect pest management systems due to subsistence nature of production and high poverty levels that make them rely on indigenous knowledge (IK) systems to meet their needs. The survey was conducted to document farmers’ IK on management of key field and storage insect pests in Magu and Misungwi districts in the LVB, Tanzania. Major crops grown were maize, rice, sorghum, finger millet, bean, groundnut, cowpea, green gram, brassicas, chicken pea, cassava, sweet potato, cotton and vegetables. Crops were mainly infested by Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Spodoptera spp (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Agrotis spp (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae), Aphis fabae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and grasshoppers in field and Stophilus spp (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Prostephanus truncates (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), Tribolium spp (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Bruchus rufimanus (Coleoptera; Bruchidae), Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and rodents on storage. IK based control methods used by farmers ranged from animal by-products (cow’s urine and dung), plant parts (Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae),Tephrosia vogelii (Fabaceae), Tamarindus indica (Fabaceae), Aloe spp (Asphodelaceae), red pepper, Capsicum spp (Solanaceae), Nicotiana tabasum (Solanaceae) to ash (general and specific) in the field. They also used neem, Chenopodium opulifolium (Chenopodiaceae), Ocimum suave (Labiatae), Senna siamea (Fabaceae or Caesalpinioideae), tobacco and Eucalyptus spp (Myrtaceae) and plant by-products (rice husks, ash from rice husks and red maize cobs and general ash) to control storage pests. Most of these products were used together with one or two others in different formulation mixtures. However, the formulations had variable amount taken during preparation, crop/ crop product treated, preparation times, modes and rates of application. Research is needed to unveil the amount for mixing, appropriate treatment, and application rate to ensure optimum concentration for specific pest. To ensure quality and safety, biosafety and quality studies are required for quality assessment of resulting product for human health. For understanding of active compounds in the formulations, chemical composition analysis of properly prepared solutions is required. Key words: Field and storage pests, indigenous knowledge, Tanzania, botanical formulation, Lake Victoria basin.

Indigenous Knowledge Dissemination and Use : A Discuss

The paper discusses the dissemination and use of indigenous knowledge. It highlighted the type and sources of indigenous knowledge in Nigeria. Means and tools for creating and exchanging indigenous knowledge, the likely situations under which indigenous knowledge could be used and how indigenous knowledge can be disseminated were discussed. The paper concluded by making recommendations on how to promote the creation, usage and transfer of indigenous knowledge in Nigeria.

Qanat irrigation systems as important and ingenious agricultural heritage: case study of the qanats of Kashan, Iran

The technology related to the construction and use of qanats has been in use in Iran for at least 2000 years. Qanats in Iran are more than just a way of using groundwater; they represent a unique system illustrating use of indigenous knowledge for sustainable management of land, water, and agricultural biodiversity through strong collaborative work among sustainable agricultural communities. The paper reviews the system and focuses on Kashan.