Is indigenous knowledge accessed and used by agricultural researchers and extension workers in Zimbabwe?

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is knowledge which has been developed and accumulated over time by a community and has been passed down over generations. It is represented in most spheres of human activity: in agriculture, traditional and alternative medicine, human and animal health, forestry and botany. This article discusses how Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge (IAK) is accessed and used by agricultural researchers and extension workers in Zimbabwe. We review the relevant literature, largely focused on IAK, to support a case study in Zimbabwe that responds to the following four research questions: What is the importance of IAK to agricultural research and extension in Zimbabwe? How frequent is IAK utilised? What are the sources of IAK and what are the types of IAK in use in the country? We conclude that IK is relevant in modern day agriculture and should be given sufficient attention in general and by researchers and extension workers. We conclude that the documentation and integration of IAK into research, and education and training is essential.

Innovation, No.44, June 2012