Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices in Food Technology to the Attainment of Food Security in Africa

AbstractIn our ongoing research on edible insects in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, we have found evidence of the unsustainable harvesting of edible insects and the food plants of certain insects. The decline in the edible insect industry, together with the need for food security provides a strong incentive to investigate possible causes of problems using different knowledge systems. Any solution to these problems needs to take Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into account if it hopes to be successful and sustainable. We have found that different communities have different explanations for the same phenomena. Some of these explanations correspond with the explanations for the same phenomena in Western science. Where areas of overlap between IKS and Western science exist, these can be used in education in such a way that recommendations for sustainable harvesting can be developed with reference to African science. In this process, the area of overlap between the systems may grow as information from one system is incorporated in another. In this contribution the overlapping roles of IKS, African science and Western science are explored in the teaching of the sustainable harvesting of Indigenous resources for food security and conservation. This creates opportunities to teach relevant science in such a way that the concerned communities can benefit through better food security and the conservation of culturally important plants and animals.

Download Full-text

Indigenous Knowledge in Mundum and Suptulung

AMC Journal ◽

10.3126/amcj.v2i1.35789 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 75-88

Author(s):

Shanti Devi Rai

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Indigenous Knowledge ◽

Education System ◽

Formal Education ◽

Cultural Practices ◽

Indigenous Education ◽

National Curriculum ◽

Language And Culture ◽

Western Education ◽

Almost All

The dominance of formal education over the indigenous education along with the language and culture has been a pressing issue in almost all cultures of the world. The Nepalese education system is also largely influenced by the western education system. So, it is inevitable that Nepalese students too are influenced by the western education. Rai community is one of 125 indigenous groups having rich indigenous knowledge. Particularly, they have vocational education of the food security that transforms the knowledge through the cultural practices, which is close to nature and thus a unique one. The significance of the food security means survival for the whole year. Mundumic education focuses on the survival in nature and to reduction of poverty. However, such indigenous type of cultural activities as part of education have not been recognized and put into priority in the government’s curriculum. This is an example of a missing link of such cultural heritage in our curriculum. Therefore, I propose here to explain a typical Binayo Movie thematically having indignity in its content suitable for inclusion in national curriculum. This Movie is a key to establish the Mundum and Suptulung identity within this community contributing to indigenous identity for the future generations. Thus, this article explores some significant aspects of Mundumic cultural education which helps conserve indigenous knowledge on the one hand, and on the other, reduce poverty through indigenous skills of food production and security.

Download Full-text

Documenting and Disseminating Agricultural Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Food Security: The Efforts of Agricultural Research Libraries in Nigeria

Libri ◽

10.1515/libri-2014-0007 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Abiola A. Abioye ◽

Yetunde A. Zaid ◽

Halima S. Egberongbe

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Indigenous Knowledge ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Research Libraries

Download Full-text

Knowledge sharing strategies on traditional vegetables for supporting food security in Kilosa District, Tanzania

Library Review ◽

10.1108/lr-10-2014-0105 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 64 (3) ◽

pp. 229-247

Author(s):

Monica Samuel Chipungahelo

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Knowledge Sharing ◽

Indigenous Knowledge ◽

Agricultural Development ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Content Type ◽

Knowledge Database ◽

Traditional Vegetable ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge sharing on traditional vegetables for supporting food security among farmers and other communities in Kilosa district, Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach – A case study design was employed. Semi-structured questionnaires with both open- and closed-ended questions were used to collect quantitative data in three wards of Kilosa District in Tanzania. Interviews were used to collect qualitative data from three heads of farmer groups, and direct observation was used to validate findings obtained from questionnaires. Findings – The results showed that farmers used a socialisation approach to share indigenous knowledge about traditional vegetables on production, consumption and preservation. Research limitations/implications – The study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on sharing knowledge of traditional vegetables among different communities for supporting food security. Practical implications – The paper provides a framework for agricultural development planners on how to improve the management of indigenous knowledge on traditional vegetables with scientific knowledge in local communities for improving food security in Tanzania. Social implications – The paper has an implication for improving knowledge-sharing strategies on traditional vegetables in supporting food security in Tanzania, and other parts of Africa and developed countries. There is a need for knowledge intermediaries to develop knowledge database on production, consumption and preservation of traditional vegetable to increase the dissemination of this knowledge and, hence, improve nutrition and food security. Originality/value – The paper provides appropriate knowledge-sharing strategies which are needed to improve sharing of indigenous knowledge about traditional vegetables in Tanzania and other developed and developing countries.

Download Full-text

Harnessing Indigenous Technologies for Sustainable Management of Land, Water, and Food Resources Amidst Climate Change

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems ◽

10.3389/fsufs.2021.691603 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

Author(s):

Ziblim Abukari Imoro ◽

Abubakari Zarouk Imoro ◽

Abudu Ballu Duwiejuah ◽

Ammal Abukari

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Food Security ◽

Indigenous Knowledge ◽

Sustainable Management ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Extreme Rainfall ◽

Conservation Agriculture ◽

Food Resources ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Sea Levels

Through advancements in technology humans have cultivated more food, used more fossil fuel reserves, polluted the environment, and caused climate change. This was not the case some few decades ago where indigenous technologies were used in exploiting natural resources. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change on the planet are no more distant reality. The melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and prolonged drought are already being experienced. These have affected water resources, land, and food security across the world. The limits of conventional climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies call for the integration of indigenous knowledge and technologies for tackling climate change issues. This is because of the importance that indigenous knowledge and technologies have for identifying the impacts and as well providing effective adaption and mitigation strategies to climate change. Thus, this chapter explores the potential of indigenous knowledge and technologies for the sustainable management of water, land, and food security amidst climate change. The applications of indigenous technologies and knowledge such as agroforestry, the use of sacred groves to conserve water, land, and biodiversity resources, and the practising of conservation-agriculture are discussed as solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water shortages, land degradation, and pollution. However, these indigenous technologies will be less useful in today's world if not harnessed. Thus also in this chapter, the scientific know-how available to improve the effectiveness of indigenous technologies for the sustainable use of water, land, and food resources have been identified (Robotics, sensors/detectors, internet of things) and discussed.

Download Full-text