Abstract:
This study aimed at assessing the interaction between indigenous and external knowledge
in influencing adaptation to climate change among communities in North Pare Mountains.
Specifically, the objectives of the study were to: (i) assess the local knowledge on climate
change, indigenous and externally influenced practices for adapting to climate change (ii)
assess the effects of interaction between indigenous and external knowledge systems for
adapting to climate change; and (iii) determine socio-economic factors influencing
adoption of external practices for adapting to climate change. Information was obtained by
using structured household questionnaire administered to 103 sampled households, PRA
(focus group discussion and key informant interviews) and participant observations.
Qualitative information was analyzed using content analysis which is a set of methods for
analyzing symbolic content of any communication. Quantitative data were processed and
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while logistic regression
analysis was used to establish the relationship between the extent of adoption of external
practices and socio-economic/demographic factors. Results show that 52.2% of
respondents see drought as an indicator of climate change. Other indicators mentioned were
seasonal variation in rainfall, increasing air temperature and floods. Communities use
externally influenced practices such as planting exotic tree species and crops, and modern
water storage systems. Majority of the community use externally influenced practices and a
combination of indigenous and externally influenced practices. Age, education level and
income significantly influenced adoption of externally introduced practices. It is concluded
that local adaptation to climate change will continue being influenced by both indigenous
and externally driven knowledge. Harnessing the potential of indigenous knowledge and its
interaction with external (professional) knowledge is paramount in building a climate
resilient community in the north Pare Mountains. Therefore measures to enhance the
indigenous adaptive capacity and its interactions with external knowledge are necessary.
Further education on climate change and its impacts is necessary so as to increase the communities' resilience to climate change impacts.
