Abstract:
Application of modern expertise is currently debatable in the context of Sri Lankan
agriculture where, inapt use farm inputs and cultivation schedules have caused severe
ecological and health issues. Consequently, approaches allied to Indigenous knowledge
(IGK) receive great attention as a potential solution. This study appraised a range of
qualitative and quantitative aspects of IGK to reach the objectives of assessing (1) self
reported knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of farmers on IGK, (2) current use of IGK in
farming, and (3) factors that are vital for the use of IGK. Questionnaire-based interviews
(n=500) were held in five DS divisions in Trincomalee District in 2015 across major ethnic
groups in “Major” and “Minor” irrigation systems. The results presage that the existing
IGK systems are alarmingly receding where self-reported knowledge of farmers was
desolately frail. The perceptions and attitudes were off-putting though a few have used IGK
related methods under the direction of government institutions. Knowledge, awareness, age,
experience, beliefs, social cohesion, locus of control and government support were identified
to have effects on the use of IGK. The involvement of clued-up farmers in training, research
and collective farming programs whereas an improved national policy, inter-ethnic cohesion
and communiqué channels via strong government intervention are required to streamline
dissemination and application of IGK among all ethnic groups.
