Integrating Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge Systems for Climate Change Adaptation in Zambia

Abstract

The projected impacts of climate change are expected to be adverse and particularly severe for the majority of Africans who currently rely heavily on climate-sensitive natural resources for their livelihoods and do not have the means to withstand shocks and multi-dimensional changes in their societies and ecosystems. Africans are, therefore, justifiably looking to their developed counterparts to assist them with technological options for adapting to climate change. In this quest, it is usually forgotten that indigenous knowledge systems can significantly contribute to location-specific sustainable climate change adaptation. This study used structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, participatory workshop techniques and literature reviews to explore the potential role of traditional knowledge and practices in climate change adaptation in Zambia. It was found that agricultural practices which embedded both scientific know-how and indigenous knowledge practices were by far superior in providing resilience to droughts and floods. Imported technologies that neglected ecological compatibility only served to provide improved short-term productivity but plunged communities into long-term livelihood hardships as they stripped the environment of its ecological sustainability. It was also found that local people used the phenology of plants and insects to forecast rainfall in the next season. The reliability and accuracy of this traditional knowledge has yet to be scientifically proven. It was concluded that the viability and utility value of indigenous knowledge can only be enhanced when integrated with scientific approaches and know-how.