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Threats to Indigenous Knowledge in Improving Agricultural Productivity in Crop Production of Kabasekende Sub-County, Kibaale District

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  • Wilson Ngonzi

    (Faculty of Agriculture, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, PO Box 5498 Kampala – Uganda)

  • Gerald Lubega

    (Faculty of Agriculture, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, PO Box 5498 Kampala – Uganda)

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is constantly phasing out by the new innovations amongst the youth, world population is steadily increasing and the demand for food is too appealing. Some 550 million of the 1,370 million hectares of global arable lands have suffered degradation as a result of non-sustainable cultivation. The Green Revolution technologies, which partly solved the problem of food and fibre needs, is expensive as the costs to transfer technology, soil erosion and loss of plant genetic materials that were resistant to diseases are high. Traditional agriculture cannot be fully resumed or would it satisfy the food needs of the increasing world population. Owning the indigenous knowledge’s importance, it is thus inevitable to examine the threats to indigenous knowledge in improving agricultural productivity in crop production in Kabasekende Sub- County, Kibaale District. The study used a cross-sectional research design where an interview guide was used to sample 96 respondents with purposive sampling techniques. The study confirmed that farmers were still using IK to manage parasites and diseases, seed and breeds selection, determining seasons, pests and diseases control, harvest handling and ensuring safety of produce. Additionally, IK was reported beneficial in cost reduction on buying chemicals and maintaining soil fertility, recycling of farm resources, promoting the use of locally based resources in agricultural production, resiliency to climate change, maintenance and conservation of crop genetic diversity, increasing food security at house hold level and promoting life-support ecosystem services. Further the study established that individuals and communities should be supported to raise awareness, document and record IK they possess for future generations. The study thus recommended that there was need to understand the major factors that contribute to indigenous knowledge production and how it’s used within the farming communities if it is to be sustained for future development. Development programs need also to be tailor-made to suit specific situations and places, thereby increasing the likelihood of their success. There is a clear need to weigh the positive contributions of indigenous knowledge against their negative ones, in the sense that, for many in Africa, the use of indigenous knowledge has not necessarily transformed their lives as compared to modern technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilson Ngonzi & Gerald Lubega, 2020. "Threats to Indigenous Knowledge in Improving Agricultural Productivity in Crop Production of Kabasekende Sub-County, Kibaale District," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 4(6), pages 507-523, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:4:y:2020:i:6:p:507-523
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Guthiga & Andrew Newsham, 2011. "Meteorologists Meeting Rainmakers: Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Policy Processes in Kenya," IDS Bulletin, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 42(3), pages 104-109, May.
    2. Ann Whitehead, 2006. "Persistent poverty in North East Ghana," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(2), pages 278-300.
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