Burkina Faso - Integrating Indigenous and Scientific Rainfall Forecasting
This case study describes how farmers in Bonam, a village in rural Burkina Faso, predict seasonal rainfall, and, examines how their forecasts relate to scientific ones. The research shows that farmers are used to operate in multiple cognitive frame...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2012
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2001/12/1660263/burkina-faso-integrating-indigenous-forecasting-scientific-rainfall-forecasting http://hdl.handle.net/10986/10799 |
| Summary: | This case study describes how farmers in
Bonam, a village in rural Burkina Faso, predict seasonal
rainfall, and, examines how their forecasts relate to
scientific ones. The research shows that farmers are used to
operate in multiple cognitive frameworks, though are
interested in receiving scientific forecasts, given the
perception that local forecasts are becoming less reliable
due to increasing climate variability. However,
understanding local cultural models, is essential to
effectively conduct research, and develop technology. The
note compares the shared knowledge, i.e., environmental
indicators used locally to predict rainfall, and, that of
specialized knowledge, which in contrast, is based on
spiritual practices, being the prerogative of select groups.
Thus, integrating local and scientific forecasts must be
presented in ways that conform to cultural notions,
conceiving the nature of knowledge. Findings nonetheless,
suggest a convergence between local, and scientific
forecasts, but also a divergence in terms of practical
significance, propelling the challenge of addressing the
consequences, and context of its uses: scientists,
policymakers, and development practitioners should work
towards devising an approach to improve the flexibility of
local production systems. |
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