TITLE:
The Use of Indigenous Knowledge in Predicting Changes in Seasonal Rainfall by Smallholder Farmers of Ruteete Subcounty, Kabarole District
AUTHORS:
Kandida Nyakaisiki, Isaac Mugume, Triphonia Ngailo, Rhoda Nakabugo
KEYWORDS:
Indigenous Knowledge, Predictors of Seasonal Rainfall, Climate Change Adaptation, Indicators of Changes in Climate
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.7 No.1,
January
18,
2019
ABSTRACT: Climate change has become a serious global challenge. Developing countries
are the worst affected due to poor response mechanism to associated disasters.
This study examined the application of the indigenous knowledge (IK)
methods to predict the changes in seasonal rainfall. The study used data collected
through individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. The
study found vegetation changes (i.e. shading off leaves, excessive branching);
changes in animal behavior (i.e. eating soil, restlessness), and other atmospheric
indicators (i.e. changes in wind, color of stars and moon, earthquake,
migrating of birds, swarming of bees, cold windy mornings and warm nights)
being used to observe and monitor the changes in rainfall over the season.
The study recommends a more detailed study to validate the IK and integrate
it with the scientific knowledge so as to reduce local farmers’ vulnerability,
increase resilience and strengthen their adaptive capacity to cope with climate
change effects.