The use of indigenous knowledge in the conservation of biological diversity in Sango Bay, Rakai District, Uganda

Abstract

The main findings of this study confirm that indigenous knowledge is being used to conserve biological diversity. Although some elites shunned it, over 80% of those interviewed were passing it on their off spring. More people reported using ethno medicine rather than biomedicine. However, the difference in use was not significant (Wilcoxon-Matched Pairs Signed Ranks Test; W= -0.365, N=4, P= 0.715) suggesting that none of the two methods of treatment dominated over the other. Of the three farming systems in use, intercropping ranked highest. Analysis of variance between systems showed no significant difference (Kruskal – Wallis One – Way Anova; X2 = 2.0, N = 3, P = 0.368) suggesting that the three farming systems were still viable in the area. Like medication, the farming systems used were not by choice. Most interviewees admitted that they would opt for monoculture if they had the necessary resources for it. This was due to its high productivity. A comparison of modern with traditional fishing showed no significant difference (W = -1,826; N = 4’ P = 0.068) suggesting that traditional fishing is not threatened as was hypothesized. Although totems and taboos are still recognized, they were not being used in conservation. A negative correlation between the abundance of three common animal taboos and their rarity and scared trees was obtained suggesting that this traditional conservation technique is losing its value.