Survey Assessment of Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Seed Storage of Rainforest Spice (Monodora myristica) in Southeastern Nigeria.

Abstract

The assessment of indigenous knowledge for the storage of Monodora myristica seed for planting was carried out in three states (Abia, Enugu and Akwa-Ibom states) of South eastern agroecology. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 farmers from two LGAs each and 135 retrieved. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics like percentage, mean scores, frequency, bar and pie chart. Collection/gathering of M. myristica is mostly done by men between the ages of 61-70%. Those involved in gathering of M. myristica seeds were married and formally educated people. The study further revealed that traditional method of storage is widely accepted since it promotes seed germination as investigated by 74% of the respondents. Insect pest is one of the problems encountered by the farmers hence 66.7% of the respondents have solicited for government assistance. This problem should therefore be addressed as seed security is essential in ensuring increased use of agro-biodiversity which would in turn expand the options, opportunities and remains available at the rural grassroots level to improve nutrition and health, safeguard the household economic security and enhance sustainable agriculture.