Below is a summary of discussions with two representations of the local community at Mokwakwaila Service Centre.
Signs of nature (Indigenous Knowledge)
When there is a wet season the farmers see more fruits and flowers. That is
the sign for rain.
"It sometimes rains, but along the way it stops. It does not rain all
the time."
When swallows arrive, they indicate that it is just about to rain. The
occurrence of more flowers is a long-term sign (indicating good rains in the
coming season)
How do you see that is a drought?
The moon
During the rainy season if the moon is covered by a misty cloud (on the
outside), like a corona, or ring, around the moon, they know that rain is
coming. This is a long term sign for the next six months or so - for the whole
season.
The
rain
If there is a function at home and people are enjoying themselves and they
see that rain is coming, they can stop the rain by putting the plate on the
back.
Planting
date
When someone plants groundnuts before the right time, then the rains will
stop. There are taboos such as this that need to be researched.
Management
activities
When it is a wet year, the farmers will make contours to help drain the
land.
When it is dry year, when they see that the rain will be less than normal,
they will mulch so that the rain is kep in the soil and evaporation is
prevented. This year, they tried to do many such activities, but when there is
no rain, nothing helps.
The farmers often sit together and share their experiences and ideas and
plans for how to handle whatever situation that may come.
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