Exploiting indigenous knowledge for the management and maintenance of Musa biodiversity on farm

Studies on indegenous knowledge about the banana (Musa spp.) crop were carried out in Musa In situ project sites in Tanzania and Uganda. The purpose of the study was to investigate and analyse traditional banana farming practices that (a) create and maintain specific agroecological niches for distinctive cultivars of Musa; ( b) encourage the exchange and introduction of Musa germplasm; and (c) favour the maintenance of diverse cultivars within small scale banana production systems. Participatory methods were used with initially a total of 135 households from the 4 sites to determine the different traditional practices carried out through the entire life cycle of the banana crop. Interviews and discussions with different households were based on semi structured questionnaires and checklists. Later discussions were extended to 150 farmers divided into groups to critically examine the derived information from different households. The group discussions were focused on ; i) introduction and exchange of cultivars ii) the selection and planting of cultivars; iii) maintenance of banana groves and iv) the utilization options of bananas at the farm level. Preferences among the widely selected cultivars was also assessed. Correlations between the criteria and preferences used to select the widely grown cultivars were determined. The selection and source of planting materials were very important practices because they determined the proportion of cultivars on farm, although could be influenced by the person who selects and the criteria he or she uses. In all sites women were reported to be 100% responsible for the day- to-day management of banana gardens. A woman's success as “a home maker” depends on how efficiently “food”(=banana) security is maintained at the home. In the quest to effectively carry out this task, women spend over 90% of their spare time in banana groves, checking mats and taking any remedial actions needed. In spite of this commitment, women were found not to be the direct beneficiaries from banana income, except in one area of handicrafts. Associated biodiversity in the benchmark sites was used variably. Some farmers used trees as high canopy shade for bananas while at the same time improving soil fertility through leaf fall. Others used some annuals as cover crops to control weed growth; and yet others used some fungi to monitor soil fertility in the groves. Further studies are recommended to understand the relationship between the crop, the farmer and the environment. Key Words: Agroecological niches, cultivars, Musa germplasm, traditional practices RESUME Les études sur la connaissance indigène à propos de plante de banane (Musa spp.) étaient faites dans les sites de projet Musa In situ en Tanzanie et l'Ouganda. La raison de l'étude était d'examiner et analyser les pratiques traditionnelles de culture de banane qui (a) crée et maintient les niches agro écologiques spécifiques pour les variétés distinctives de Musa ; (b) encourage l'é