INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA: FROM LOCAL PRACTICES TO CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE
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Abstract
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) have long supported agricultural production in Africa by providing locally adapted approaches to natural resource management, food production, and environmental stewardship. With climate change increasing the frequency of droughts, floods, erratic rainfall, and land degradation, indigenous knowledge is receiving renewed attention as a key component of sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). This review examines indigenous practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, agroforestry, mixed farming, mulching, indigenous seed conservation, soil and water conservation, and traditional weather forecasting. It highlights their contributions to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem sustainability, and rural livelihoods. Drawing on empirical evidence from several African countries, the review demonstrates that Indigenous Knowledge Systems remain essential for strengthening adaptive capacity and achieving the goals of Climate-Smart Agriculture. It concludes that integrating scientifically validated indigenous knowledge with modern agricultural innovations, climate information services, and supportive policies offers a practical pathway to improving food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience across Africa.
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