The role of indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Chikwawa, Malawi

The role of indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation cannot be underestimated. It acts as a preparedness and response tool to climate change-related impacts such as floods, droughts and strong winds. However, inadequate studies about indigenous knowledge in Malawi is a major challenge when dealing with extreme climatic conditions. Learning from indigenous knowledge systems, by investigating first what local communities know and have, can improve the understanding of local conditions and can provide a productive context for activities designed to help communities reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts. This paper assessed the role of indigenous knowledge systems in DRR and climate change variability and adaptation strategies in Chikwawa district. The study used a participatory research approach involving interactive research methods such as focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and participant observations. Data from key informants and FGDs were analysed thematically. The study revealed various indigenous knowledge which communities in the Chikwawa district use to respond to climate-related impacts such as floods. Some of these include hippopotamus relocating from the river to the village, extreme hissing of pythons in nearby forests, buffaloes and zebras wreaking havoc in the villages and crocodiles flocking to the village.

The study concludes that indigenous knowledge provides the basis for problem-solving approaches for local communities, hence, a need to document it at a wider scale.