WEL COME

Importance and Relevance of Indigenous Knowledge system

Identification and Documentation of ITK

GOPALA Y.M PAL 1028I Ph.D. Scholar

INTRODUCTION

Why don’t farmers follow the advice we give?

1. Non Suitability of advice

2. Non Relevant advice

3. Ignorance by farmers

As a result emphasis was given to participatory approach.

This lead the scientific world to concentrate on the ITK

DefinitionWarren (1991)

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the local knowledge –

knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. It is the

basis for local-level decision making in agriculture, health care,

food preparation, education, natural-resource management, and a

host of other activities in rural communities.

Flavier et al.(1995)Indigenous Knowledge is the information base for a

society, which facilitates communication and decision-

making. Indigenous information systems are dynamic, and

are continually influenced by internal creativity and

experimentation as well as by contact with external

systems.

Examples of ITK

Medicinal properties of the neem tree (Azadirachta

indica)

Traditional pastoralists as guardians of

biological diversity.

Importance of Indigenous Knowledge

It provides the basis for problem-solving strategies for local

communities, especially the poor.

It represents an important component of global knowledge on

development issues.

IK is an underutilized resource in the development process.

Understanding IK can increase responsiveness to clients.

Conti…,

Adapting international practices to the local setting can help

improve the impact and sustainability of development

assistance.

Sharing IK within and across communities can enhance cross-

cultural understanding and promote the cultural dimension of

development

The basic component of any country’s knowledge system is its

indigenous knowledge. It encompasses the skills, experiences

and insights of people, applied to maintain or improve their

livelihood

Importance of Indigenous Knowledge for the Poor

It is an important part of the lives of the poor

It is a integral part of the local ecosystem

It is a key element of the “social capital” of the poor;

Shape local visions and perceptions of environment and society

Need of study and appreciation of ITK

ITK may have scientific basis and its technologies could be transferred to other similar farming situations;

documentation and screening of ITK is necessary before the valuable information is lost for ever;

ITK may be an alternative, a substitute or a complement to modern technology;

ITK may generate ideas for future researchIt is often easier to secure adoption of ITK than modern

technology.

Special Features of Indigenous Knowledge

Local

Tacit

Transmitted orally

Experiential rather than theoretical knowledge

Learned through repetition

Constantly changing

Indigenous knowledge levels for the development process

Local community in which the bearers of such knowledge live

and produce.

Development agents need to recognize it, value it and

appreciate it in their interaction with the local communities.

Lastly, indigenous knowledge forms part of the global

knowledge. Indigenous knowledge can be preserved,

transferred, or adopted and adapted elsewhere

Indigenous knowledge is of particular relevance for the following sectors and strategies:

Agriculture

o Animal husbandry and ethnic veterinary medicine

o Use and management of natural resources

o Primary health care (PHC), preventive medicine and

psychosocial care

o Saving and lending

o Community development

o Poverty alleviation

 

Identification and documentation of ITKI. Agricultural Production

Soil Management

Description of ITK Farmers’ Logic

Probable Scientific Explanation

Burning sugarcane trash in the field

Easy disposal of trash

Ensures sanitation and has soil sterilization and priming effect

Coconuts garden are applied with 6 to 8 tones of tank silt/red earth per ha.

Improves nut size and yield

Tank silt/red earth improves soil properties and supply nutrients

Crop Management

Sunflower seed soaked in sour butter milk before sowing

Better germination

Acts as a growth retardant

II. Horticultural Production

Description of ITK Farmers’ Logic Probable Scientific Explanation

The cut ends of plant cuttings are pasted with cowdung ball

Better sprouting & rooting

Reduces desiccation and acts as growth promoter

Application of 200 ml butter milk to curry leaf plant every week

Improves aroma Ensures availability of enzymes, vitamins and micro-nutrients

III. Seri cultural Production

Description of ITK Farmers’ Logic Probable Scientific Explanation

Exposing chandrikas to morning sunlight

Hastens spinning activity of worms & dries urine

Warm temperature increases spinning activity of worms and dries urine

Removal of bottom leaves upto 8 inches above ground before chopping

Eliminates soil/dust/yellow and over matures leaves

Prevents soil borne infection and avoids feeding of over matured leaves

IV. Plant Protection

Description of ITK Farmers’ Logic Probable Scientific Explanation

Spraying cowdung slurry to sapota and mango plants

Cost effective control for sooty mould

Cowdung is a known disinfectant

Spraying jaggery solution (0.4%) to redgram

Controls pod borer

Ants and other insects attracted by jaggery destroy pod borer eggs

V. Post Harvest Technologies

Description of ITK Farmers’ Logic Probable Scientific Explanation

Neem leaves are put in pulse bags for storage

Controls storage insect repellent

Neem leaves affect hatching storage pests eggs

Bunching local small onion and hanging to the roof

Enhance self-life

Hanging prevents rodent damage & the higher temperature & air circulation near the roof has a curing effect

Mixing wood ash for storing pulses

Controls storage pests

The fine powder of ash acts as a physical barrier & also blocks respiration system in storage pests

VI. Animal Health

Description of ITK Farmers’ Logic

Probable Scientific Explanation

100g of fresh papaya seeds are crushed & administered in 1 liter of water to claves

Cost effective deworming medicine

Acts as a helminter

Administering a handful of salt in 4 liter of water or a handful of salt mixed in cattle feed

Stops diarrhea

Restores electrolyte imbalance

Application of cashew shell oil/fresh cowdung to cattle wounds

Fast healing of wounds

Acts as antiseptic, natural disinfectant and softens the wound site

Conclusion

Not all indigenous practices are beneficial to the

sustainable development of a local community; and not all IK

can provide the right solution for a given problem. Therefore,

before adopting IK, integrating it into development programs,

or even disseminating it, practices need to be scrutinized for

their appropriateness.