Online Reporter
Patience Maturure, Agriculture Reporter
ZIMBABWE’s indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are important in fostering sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security and promoting ecological health.
This came out during a question-and-answer session in the Senate on Tuesday.
Senator Daniel Mackenzi Ncube said Zimbabwe’s indigenous knowledge systems were under threat and this had far-reaching consequences on the country’s culture, food security and socio-economic stability.
“IKS is a vital part of our cultural heritage and its loss has far-reaching consequences on our culture, food security, ecological health and socio-economic stability.
“The importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems in Zimbabwe cannot be overstated, particularly in the areas of climate change and agriculture as well as food security,” he said.
Sen Ncube said Zimbabwe’s indigenous knowledge systems had been used for centuries to predict weather patterns, enhance sustainable management of natural resources and develop agricultural practices.
“By preserving and promoting IKS, we can develop climate-resistant agricultural practices that are tailored to our local context, improve food security and reduce reliance on external inputs. We can also promote sustainable land management and conservation practices, enhance our understanding of the natural world and our place within it.
“IKS can provide valuable insights into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies,” he said.
He said documenting and promoting IKS could tap into traditional practices that have successfully managed climate-related risks and develop innovative adaptation and mitigation strategies.
“There are numerous examples of indigenous learning systems which are practiced and are adhered to by various diverse communities in several fields, such as agriculture, where traditional farming techniques like crop rotation, inter-cropping and use of natural fertilisers were practiced for centuries.
“Environmental management and sustainable use of natural resources, such as water conservation and forest natural resources protection, were also practised,” he said.
Sen Ncube said indigenous knowledge systems also utilised observations of animal behaviour, wind patterns and plant changes for weather forecasting.
“IKS were used to predict climate events, whether there will be a drought or there will be lots of water,” he said.
He urged the Government to capacitate traditional leaders to document indigenous knowledge systems in their areas of jurisdiction.
“By doing so, we can preserve our cultural heritage and identity, enhance food security and ecological health.
“We can also promote socio-economic stability and development and support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts,” Sen Ncube said.
