Indigenous knowledge on tree conservation in Swaziland
Date
2010-04-29T07:29:11Z
Authors
Simelane, Zimisele Precious
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Abstract
Indigenous knowledge used for the conservation of trees was investigated in a rural community of Swaziland. The content, perceived application, social distribution (by age, gender and education) and intergenerational transmission of this knowledge were explored. A survey approach was used and it entailed personal interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
A dependence on trees by the rural community was observed, as well as evidence of customary resource use practices. Harvesting practices and techniques, traditional rules, occurrence of sacred forests and tree planting constituted the indigenous management system that promoted the conservation of trees in the community. Protection of indigenous fruit trees and those with cultural significance, use of deadwood for firewood, and leaving a base stump when chopping a tree, represented some of the reported harvesting rules, practices and techniques respectively. A positive association was observed between age and knowledge of harvesting rules, whilst a negative correlation was identified between education and knowledge of harvesting techniques. Indigenous knowledge was mainly passed on through parent-child transmission. However, modernization and commercialization are eroding the use and transmission of indigenous knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge could involve its introduction to school curricula.