Conflicts between Indigenous Knowledge and modern techniques in African Agriculture: sustainable or productive?


In this blog, we will continue to argue the effect of modern techniques in Africa .The utilization of floodplains with  indigenous knowledge and modern techniques is a typical example that shows different impact on sustaining communities and ecosystems.


In the Inner Niger Delta, a prehistoric domestication of rice took place, showcasing the intricate understanding of local communities. Approximately 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa's irrigation comes from "small-scale and traditional" methods, exemplifying the resilience and efficacy of indigenous approaches. In regions like the Sudd, these methods support vast populations, with 785,000 cattle, 177,000 sheep and goats, 1.5 million cattle, 2.1 million sheep and goats, and 700,000 camels thriving in the Inner Niger Delta(Blaser, 2013). The Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Basin contribute significantly to the fisheries sector, yielding 19,296 tonnes of fish, underscoring the multifunctional nature of indigenous agricultural systems(Blaser, 2013).


However, these practices face threats. Human activities and interventions, such as dam constructions and wetland projects, have degraded and eroded floodplain resources. The reduction in flood peaks and changes in hydrology, as seen in the Kafue Flats, can result in ecological imbalances, The occurrence of invasive species because of human activities may cause the decline in sheep populations(Blaser, 2013). Climate change such as increase in temperature caused by green house effect may also further exacerbates these challenges. 


Challawa Gorge Dam and the Hadejia Valley Project is another example of improving productivity and access to water by using mordern techniques. The dam and barriers allow people to store more water, making large-scale irrigation possible which will absolutely improve the yield of crops(Goldsmith,1984). However, Poor maintenance of irrigation schemes has led to a series of problems in the area where the dam is located. Water levels are high throughout the year in irrigation schemes, making it an ideal environment for mosquitoes to spread malaria, while aquatic snails also spread parasitic diseases in the region. In addition, the construction of the dam has led to the displacement of local residents from their land, causing disruption to agricultural and pastoral activities(Mumba, M. and Thompson, J.R., 2005). Large-scale irrigation Consume water otherwise destined for the wetlands, reducing overall discharge and therefore cause longer dry seasons and further extinction of species in wetland. 


Figure1. Large barriers collecting water for large-scale irrigation and generating hydroelectric (Fred,2017)

In conclusion, although small-scale irrigation using the indigenous knowledge is less-productive compared to large-scale irrigation,  indigenous knowledge embedded in African agricultural practices still represents high value when suggesting sustainable solutions. How to reach a balance between improving food security and sustainable environment and water access is still worth considering. When considering Africa case,  recognizing, preserving, and integrating these traditional methods sometimes makes our actions more adaptable to local conditions.

Comments

  1. Ziyi Liu7 January 2024 at 18:31

    This is a great and thought-provoking blog that shows me how constructive human activities like dams can have a negative impact on natural resources and indigenous peoples. The examples of other side effects are also very representative! I do have a question though, what do you think are the reasons why the natives insist on building the dam? Is it because of their lack of knowledge about the side effects of dams?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stevenwu7 January 2024 at 22:19

    I think it may not because of lack of knowledge. Instead, I think it depends on what aims government are focusing on. Government may regard economic growth and less poverty as the crucial aims and therefore neglect such side effects that large-scale production caused.

    ReplyDelete

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