Weather Forecasting Using Local Traditional Knowledge (LTK) in the Midst of Climate Change in Domboshawa, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. The threat it poses has been exacerbated by limited use of indigenous knowledge systems, which are unique to a given culture or society. This is particularly important in developing countries. The uniqueness of indigenous people and their knowledge is inextricably connected to their lands, which are situated primarily at the social-ecological margins of human habitation, such as tropical forests and semi arid margins. It is at these margins that the consequences of climate change manifest themselves in the following domains: agriculture, pastoralism, fishing, hunting and gathering, and other subsistence activities, including access to water. With collective knowledge of the land, sky and sea, indigenous people are excellent observers and interpreters of changes in their environment. Resilience in the face of change is entrenched in indigenous peoples’ knowledge and know-how, diversified resources, livelihoods, social institutions, beliefs, mores, networks, cultural values and attitudes including weather interpretation. Semi-structured interviews were held on community members who are old i.e. Those above 50 years and have lived in the community for more than 10 years. Quantitative comparisons of various indicators in terms of weather forecasting were created in the form of tables. A community’s collectively held knowledge offers critical insights that can complement scientific data. Government policies in emerging economies often limit options and reduce choices, thereby constraining, restricting and undermining indigenous peoples’ efforts to adapt. This restriction may produce counterproductive policies that may lead to increased sedentarisation, restricted access to traditional territories, substitution of traditional livelihoods, impoverished crop or herd diversity, reduced harvesting opportunities and erosion of the transmission of indigenous knowledge, values, attitudes and worldviews. Indigenous knowledge is very important for community-based adaptation and for maintaining mitigating actions in the agricultural sector to promote the resilience of social-ecological systems at the local level.