INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE, TECHNIQUES AND PERCEPTION ON WEATHER, AND CROP PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN PART OF BIU AND HAWUL, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study explores the use of indigenous/local knowledge, techniques, and perception of weather, and crop 
production practices in Biu and Hawul Local Government Areas of Borno State, Nigeria. Data were 
collected through Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and open-ended questionnaires 
across the three villages of Buratai, Viukutha and Yimirshika. The data were analyzed both quantitatively 
(descriptive statistics) and qualitatively (content analysis). The findings revealed that the farmers employ a 
variety of indigenous knowledge, techniques, and perceptions of weather, for making decision on crop 
production to ensure the success of their farming activities. Though these are slowly diminishing due to a 
variety of socio-economic and environmental factors. The indigenous smallholder farmers rely heavily on 
their knowledge and experience of the local environment, including the prevailing weather conditions to 
predict weather for crop farming decision making. In addition, they use indigenous techniques such as 
observing plants phenology, animal behaviour, atmospheric condition and lunar calendar to predict 
weather and make decision on farming activities accordingly. The findings also indicated that the farmers 
have a high degree of local knowledge and understanding of the weather phenomena for enhanced crop 
productivity. The study recommends that State/local government and NGOs must work together with 
NIMET to provide downscaled weather information for the local farmers through extension agents and 
also plan for the integration of the indigenous/local weather forecast/ forecasting indicators with scientific 
forecast information for enhanced productivity.