INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN SHEA TREE MANAGEMENT IN THE LAMBUSSIE-KARNI DISTRICT

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge systems are recognized as effective methods of managing natural resources but are often not included in modern resource management policies. This study evaluated how indigenous knowledge systems affect management of Shea trees in the Lambussie-Karni District. Mixed methods were adopted by combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches of which questionnaire were used. The lottery method was used to select five communities and the respondents. The study involved 157 respondents and ten focused group discussions. Content analysis was used to identify the most important management systems. The study revealed that Indigenous knowledge is exclusive to specific culture and is important in managing natural resources. Indigenous knowledge systems are rigid hence scare rural people from adopting them. Pruning enhances better growth of shea trees, creation of fire belts prevents indiscriminate burning of trees, declaring forest lands as sacred grooves protects economic trees and weeding around shea shrubs enhances growth. Practices of not cutting shea trees and making fire belts are the preferred ways of managing shea trees. Through the payment of fines, replanting of cut trees and the fear of sacred grooves has contributed to shea tree management. Shortage of land for farming, insecure tree ownership, demand for fuel wood and animal destructions constrain shea management. Efforts to cultivate and manage shea trees are limited therefore laws should be instituted with support for leaders to enforce them. The participation of local people in managing shea and awareness creation through education on the importance of the shea tree is significant.