Cultural Wisdom for Climate Resilience: Dr. Kibet on Agro-Biodiversity and Traditional Practices

In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Staline Kibet, we learn how cultural practices contribute to agro-biodiversity, using the example of the Njahi bean, whose cultural significance in ceremonies has ensured its survival with minimal genetic modification, in contrast to heavily bred crops like maize that are more prone to diseases.

Dr. Kibet illuminates the Maasai community's unique coexistence with wildlife, such as elephants, rooted in cultural myths that discourage their consumption and instead promote economic benefits through tourism.

We learn about other culturally significant conservation practices across different communities. For example, the reverence for the fig tree as a sacred site among the Gikuyu community and the cultural importance of Pambara nuts within the Luhya community as fertility symbols exchanged during marriage contribute to conservation.

Dr. Kibet also points out how certain resilient crops like sorghum and millet have been maintained by communities largely without scientific intervention.

He illustrates the merging of scientific weather forecasting with traditional observation techniques, often yielding similar predictions, signifying a growing recognition within science of the value of indigenous knowledge.

Dr. Kibet emphasizes the necessity of communicating climate change in the "language of the community" to foster greater participation and highlights the positive shift with Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expression Bill passed in 2016 that recognizes Kenya’s cultural expressions.

He underscores the critical need to document invaluable indigenous knowledge through institutions like the National Museum of Kenya, not only for preservation but also to inform resource allocation strategies.