| Abstract: |
| Knowledge is power and basis for human development as well as agricultural
improvements. It is human capacity to understand and interpret experience and
observations and enables prediction and decision-making. At the same time, it is
dynamic and evolving. Like any other knowledge system, local knowledge or farmers’
knowledge systems have developed and evolved over time. As a part of overall local
knowledge system including social and cultural aspects, local ecological knowledge
(LEK) may derive from diverse sources. Nevertheless, it is a linchpin in agricultural
development.
Soil is fundamental to all agricultural production systems and LEK about how to
manage it efficiently is undoubtedly crucial. Some aspects of local ecological
knowledge about soil, its classification, local concept of soil fertility and local
perception of some ecological processes in the soil medium are described in the paper.
This provides examples of type and depth of LEK that farmers have and use in making
agricultural decision. However, despite existence of such sophisticated knowledge
system, there are obvious gaps and inadequacies in local knowledge systems. We firmly
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believe that knowledge generated through scientific investigations can add value to and
enrich local knowledge systems thereby enhancing farmers’ capability to manage their
agriculture system in a more effective manner. |
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