The resilience of indigenous knowledge in small-scale African agriculture: key drivers

Briggs, J. and Moyo, B. (2012) The resilience of indigenous knowledge in small-scale African agriculture: key drivers. Scottish Geographical Journal, 128(1), pp. 64-80. (doi: 10.1080/14702541.2012.694703)

Abstract

The successful use of indigenous knowledge (IK) in development practice in rural Africa over the last couple of decades has proved to be elusive and disappointing. Using empirical field data from northern Malawi, this study suggests that the two key drivers for farmers in this area are household food security and the maintenance of soil fertility. Indigenous ways of knowing underpin the agricultural system which has been developed, rather than the adoption of more modern, ‘scientific’ ways, to deliver against these drivers. Such IKs, however, are deeply embedded in the economic, social and cultural environments in which they operate.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in Scottish Geographical Journal on 25 June 2012, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14702541.2012.694703
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Briggs, Professor John
• Authors: Briggs, J., and Moyo, B.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Geography
• Journal Name: Scottish Geographical Journal
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis (Routledge)
• ISSN: 1470-2541
• ISSN (Online): 1751-665X
• Published Online: 25 June 2012
• First Published: First published in the Scottish Geographical Journal 128(1):64-80
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher