The importance of indigenous knowledge

| August 31, 2020

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This week’s Farmer story from Eswatini underlines the importance of protecting key elements of the environment, in this case wetlands.

Our Script of the Week focuses on indigenous knowledge and wisdom and how it can help guide farmers and others to not only protect the environment, but also improve productivity.

It presents four stories about rural people and indigenous knowledge from different parts of the world. These are not actual radio scripts. Instead, we hope they will provide ideas and inspiration for your own programs on topics such as:

  • How local rituals can support sustainable farming practices in your region.
  • How local farmers can find solutions to pest and weed problems.
  • Indigenous soil fertility practices.
  • Some innovative ways that local people collect water.
  • Traditional taboos against environmentally destructive practices such as cutting trees in sacred groves and elsewhere.
  • How the disappearance of local languages affects local cultures.

A good way to develop programming about indigenous wisdom and practices is to talk to women and elders. They in particular have a lot of important knowledge to share. If people feel at ease with you, and know you want to learn from them, you will find lots of good stories. But always get permission from rural people to share their knowledge with others.