Examining local communities’ sources of indigenous knowledge for management of agro-biodiversity in Masasi and Nachingwea districts, Tanzania

Abstract

Research articleThe study was carried out in Masasi and Nachingwea districts to provide empirical evidence of how local communities access indigenous knowledge (IK) on management of agro-biodiversity surrounding them. The paper specifically sought to determine how local community’s access and share indigenous knowledge related to agro-biodiversity at local levels. The study employed a mixed method approach (case study and cross sectional survey). The research findings of the present study showed that farmers mainly relied on the local (internal) sources of knowledge to acquire IK, as compared to external and formal sources of knowledge. In terms of frequency of access, the responses showed again the predominance of the parents/guardian/family, neighbour/friends, social groups and village meetings as primary sources of IK they most frequently consulted. Finally the study suggests some recommendations as detailed in the paper.Costec