THE USE OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS PRACTICES TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY IN ASA LOCAL DISTRICT ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the use of indigenous knowledge systems IKS and practices to boost food security in Asa Local District, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Its objectives were to identify the IKS and practices used by farmers, assess the contribution of IKS and practices to food security, 
Identify possible challenges faced in the use of IKS and examine the strategies for promoting IKS into modern agriculture to boost food security. It adopted the survey research design since it is quantitative research. Its population was 144 farmers from twelve villages in Asa Local District. Owing to this manageable size of the population, total enumeration of the population formed the sample size. A structured interview, observation, and focus group were used for data collection. The 
Findings revealed that Asa Local farmers depend on the use of indigenous knowledge practices to improve food security; most farmers apply manure in their farms and local mortars to pound and grind foodstuffs. The study revealed challenges, which include limited access to the market and insufficient modern tools. crop failures due to climate change, animal attacks, limited access to loan facilities, rural poverty, inadequate support from the government, /non-governmental organisations (NGO), 
kidnapping, food insecurity, and limited access to education and training. Therefore, it was recommended that policymakers should identify the worth of IKS and practices and encourage their usage in contemporary farming, and efforts should be made to document and preserve IKS and 
practices through research, interviews, and workshops, among others