Sustainable Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Agriculture for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Article Info This study was carried out to analyze indigenous knowledge practices employed by farmers for climate change adaptation and mitigation by farmers in Southeast Nigeria. A total of 360 farmers were randomly selected from 3 states of Southeast, Nigeria. Questionnaires and oral interview were used to elicit information from the respondents. Mean and Standard deviation were used to analyze data collected. Results showed that the famers were fully aware of climate change variability as indicated by a high mean score of the various prediction signs such as erratic rainfall pattern (M = 3.25), heavy flooding (M =2.65), long rainfall (M =3.36) among others. To adapt and mitigate climate change, the farmers used the following indigenous practices-crop diversification (M=3.46), crop rotation (M =2.61), multiple cropping (M =3.03), mulching (M =2.44) soil fertilization (M = 2.98), agro forestry (M=2.79), use of planting pits (M = 2.74), use of calabashes to store water (M= 3.41), use of ashes for pest control (M = 3.84), use of cannabis to control new castle diseases (M = 2.40) etc. The above practices are safe and have proved successful for centuries and we recommend that they should be integrated into the modern practices of agriculture.

Climate Change and Sustainable Livelihoods Adaptation: user perspectives on community managed irrigation schemes in North-Eastern Ghana

“…Another crucial conclusion drawn from this study is that farmers understand the concept of climate change and its impacts on their livelihoods, and based on that they use their (Dove, 2000;Sillitoe, 2007;Gerke and Ehlert, 2011;Chikaire and Nnadi, 2011;Soh and Omar, 2012;Enns, 2015). The study demonstrated that the neglect of Also, in this study the challenges of applying climate change adaptation was discussed but the topic was not exhausted and there is therefore the need for further research into the challenges of using indigenous knowledge and how the challenges can be addressed.…”

“…Several authors acknowledge the pivotal role of indigenous knowledge in development especially in sustainable resource use (Bronkensha et al 1980;Warren, 1990;Agrawal, 2005;Antweiler, 1998, Gerke andEhlert, 2011;Chikaire and Nnadi, 2011;Soh and Omar, 2012;Enns, 2015). Indigenous knowledge is important for development because it is the resource that provides the avenue for local people especially the poor to evolve strategies to solve their problems so as to enhance their living conditions (livelihoods).…”

“…Farmers in Africa who have been described as innovators with a sophisticated body of indigenous knowledge (Moretimore and Adams, 2001;Nyong, 2005;Nyong et al 2007) have used it to adapt to their changing environments and climatic trends (Watts, 1983;Richard, 1986;Guthiga and Newsham, 2011). For instance in the Sahel, farmers are known to have developed early warning systems to climate variability as an adaptation strategy to reduce their vulnerability to climate extremes (Ajibade and Shokemi, 2003;Chikaire and Nnadi, 2011). Zero tilling practices in cultivation, mulching and a host of other soil management practices have also been used by local farmers in the Sahel as a means to conserve C in soils (Schafer, 1989;Osunade, 1994;Nyong et al 2007).…”