Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge System and Mechanism for Up-scaling in the Eastern Part of Nigeria

Abstract

Farmers in south-eastern Nigeria depend greatly on cassava for its many products. The production however is beset with a myriad of constraints of which the rural farmers despite the influx of modern scientific knowledge still carry out indigenous production practices. Recently the Farmer Field School (FFS) strategy has come to fore, with a view to up-scaling Indigenous Knowledge (IK) to scientific knowledge. This study used the FFS approach to compare improved and indigenous cassava production practices. The study was carried out in Owerri North Local Government Area, Eastern part of Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. 100 respondents were randomly selected from the study area. Descriptive statistics was applied in the data analysis. At the end of the 1st year planting season of 12 months, yield of cassava on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plot of 1 ha was 33 t of cassava. Using farmers’ local cassava variety, farmers’ plot of 1 ha gave a total yield of 8 t of cassava. Finally, in the 2nd planting season yield on the farmers’ plot using improved cassava variety gave a total yield of 18 t, while the IPM plot was 34 t. It was recommended therefore that farmers can improve on yield if they include some of the IPM practices in addition to the use of improved cassava varieties as was carried out in the FFS which is an effective and, bottom-top, participatory method of technology transfer.