Agricultural Indigenous Knowledge Systems Practiced in Gutu Rural District of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter focused on the agricultural Indigenous knowledge systems (AIKS) used in Zimbabwe with specific reference to Gutu rural district. The study relied on qualitative methodology while data was collected using key informant interviews and documentary searches. The study findings indicated that a number of AIKS systems are used in the Gutu rural district. These include pest and disease management, food/grain storage and preservation, soil fertility management, and weather prediction. This study also identified several challenges associated with the documentation of AIKS, and among others include methodology, access, intellectual property rights, and the media and formats in which to preserve knowledge. The chapter concludes that Indigenous knowledge is in danger of disappearing because of global changes, and the capacity and facilities needed to document, evaluate, validate, protect, and disseminate such knowledge are lacking in most developing countries such as Zimbabwe.