Women's indigenous knowledge in household food security in Mulilii sub-location, Makindu district of eastern Kenya

Abstract

While applying their unique and distinct traditional knowledge, farmers, for centuries have managed to feed their families, while evading situations of food insecurity. However, this knowledge is rarely taken into consideration in the design and implementation of the modem mainstream knowledge in agricultural production. It has been labeled primordial and unable to feed modem societies. Given the magnitude of the current situation of food crisis, incorporation of all existing knowledge in food production is of much importance. This study focused on exploring women's indigenous knowledge (IK) in household food security in Mulilii sub-location, Makindu district of Eastern Kenya. Data was collected by use of in-depth interviews, survey method, observation technique and focus group discussion. The study found out that indigenous knowledge still exists, though largely practiced in small scale. It is cheap, locally available and well entrenched in the farming practices of the local people. There exists too, certain traditional coping (short-term) strategies that women turn to in times of food scarcity, shielding their households from the effect of the same. With the current issue of climate change, resulting to new challenges such as, unpredictable and unreliable rains, prolonged spells of drought and increased temperatures, the local people, through their indigenous knowledge systems, have developed and implemented extensive strategies in their farming practices that have enabled them to reduce their vulnerability. However, IK is currently facing a number of challenges that risk it being completely phased out or totally sidelined from the mainstream knowledge in food production. In the current times, with the shift to large-scale farming and the global climatic changes the effectiveness of indigenous knowledge is progressively getting decimated. Despite the challenges, though, there exist gaps that can be exploited to enhance its transmission, usage and preservation as well as its capacity to serve the needs of the small-scale poor resource farmers. The study concluded that IK is of much value to the small-scale subsistence farmers. It is not only the most cost-effective and easily available knowledge that majority of the resource poor farmers turn to, but also, it is an inherent knowledge adhered to and practiced as part of culture. It is however, inexcusable that this knowledge is accorded dismal recognition in the current political administration and research policies. This dismal state of recognition has made it difficult to inquire, determine and establish the extent to which local farmers use their indigenous knowledge in their farming activities. The study has recommended that instead of giving IK less attention, more research should be undertaken to establish the effectiveness of this knowledge that the indigenous people have persisted with since time immemorial. It is time that research scientists, particularly, in the field of agriculture, began to work closely with indigenous communities to promote a mutual interest in sustained and improved food production. Governing policies should also take into account and support the knowledge of the local people. Challenges facing IK should also be revisited and, more importantly, alleviated. This should be done in the concerted effort of seeking a multi-faceted solution to the prominent issue of food insecurity.