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The value of indigenous knowledge for enhancing smallholders’ resilience to climate change and food insecurity: a case study of small-scale irrigation system in Niger

Kalidou, Abdoulkarim Issoufou; Qi, Gubo; Ndimbo, Gabriel Kanuti; Wu, Bin

The value of indigenous knowledge for enhancing smallholders’ resilience to climate change and food insecurity: a case study of small-scale irrigation system in Niger Thumbnail


Authors

Abdoulkarim Issoufou Kalidou

Gubo Qi

Gabriel Kanuti Ndimbo

Profile image of BIN WU

BIN WU BIN.WU@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Senior Research Fellow



Abstract

The global south faces challenges in enhancing smallholder farmers' resilience to climate change and food insecurity. Indigenous knowledge and small-scale irrigation (SSI) systems are being promoted as a viable solution to address these challenges. This paper explores how smallholder farmers use local knowledge to establish informal and farmer-led SSI to enhance smallholders' resilience in agriculture and livelihoods. A qualitative research approach with 79 semi-structured interviews was carried out with farmers' households in Tamaske rural community in Southwest Niger, followed by thematic and statistical analysis. The results revealed that an alternative SSI strategy is mostly based on internal agencies rather than externally supported and it serves as a tool to enhance household food and income security amid climate change. The empirical case allows us to assess the value of indigenous knowledge in agriculture by asking how local people can bring together ideas and resources to enhance SSI and build resilience to climate change. The study suggests that the initiation and multiplication of SSI systems can be achieved by farmers' own agencies if appropriate technology and cooperation mechanisms are selected. The policy focus should promote simple, root-based technology as limited government financial support in the global south may hinder this progress.

Citation

Kalidou, A. I., Qi, G., Ndimbo, G. K., & Wu, B. (2024). The value of indigenous knowledge for enhancing smallholders’ resilience to climate change and food insecurity: a case study of small-scale irrigation system in Niger. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 22(1), Article 2406062. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2024.2406062

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 13, 2024
Online Publication Date Oct 16, 2024
Publication Date 2024
Deposit Date Oct 24, 2024
Publicly Available Date Oct 25, 2024
Journal International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
Print ISSN 1473-5903
Electronic ISSN 1747-762X
Publisher Taylor and Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 22
Issue 1
Article Number 2406062
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2024.2406062
Keywords Indigenous knowledge; climate change; small-scale irrigation; smallholders' resilience in agriculture; food security; Niger
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40865533
Publisher URL https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14735903.2024.2406062

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