Indigenous knowledge of astronomical star positions and temporal patterns for seasonal weather forecasting: the case of Borana Oromo Pastoralists of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Indigenous Knowledge-based (IK) prediction of weather is an activity as old as humanity. The objective of this study is to examine indigenous knowledge-based seasonal weather indicating features of astronomic stars. Methods: This study is based on primary data that were generated through using focus group discussion, key informant interviews, experimental groups, and direct observation. Results: The findings revealed that, in the study area, one of the widely used practices of indigenous-based weather indicating astronomic objects that exhibit change naturally within a continuum of varying temporal and spatial contexts are observable external features of stars. In the study area weather indicating outlooks of stars are: temporal patterns of star-moon alignment/defect of star-moon alignment; position/direction of the stars and physical/colors of stars. The indicators were displayed in a more than three months lead time ahead of the actual occurrence of weather events. The occurrence of the forecasting of the weather event actually happened in 2021. The severe drought of 2021/2022 was mainly caused by naturally driven defects of star-moon alignment. These practices are still regularly used in decision making. However, these practices are not yet mainstreamed in to formal structures. Conclusion: Curtailments of mobility, severity of drought, weakening of traditional institution, leaving of traditional life-style and death of the knowledgeable elders are the major challenging factors to these practices.