Traditional Farming Practices as Community Adaptation in Jos, Nigeria
In my community in Jos, Plateau State, one successful community-based adaptation practice is traditional farming methods used to manage changing rainfall and soil conditions. Farmers use practices like terracing, mulching, mixed cropping, and adjusting planting times based on local knowledge of weather patterns. Local people are fully involved, as these practices are passed down through families and shared within farming groups. These methods help reduce soil erosion, retain moisture, and protect crops during irregular rains. They are closely linked to local traditions and farming culture and are still widely used today, although some are being replaced by modern methods. Integrating these practices into modern climate adaptation strategies can strengthen resilience, but challenges include youth migration, low policy support, and limited access to resources.
This is very relatable. Both traditional practices, such as mixed planting, mulching and timing of planting according to local understanding in both instances allow farmers to cope with erratic rainfall and soil erosion. One of the major similarities is great community participation, where the knowledge is transferred both in a family and in groups of farmers. These are practices that are more related to the local culture and they are still working, but there are challenges like the migration of youth and the lack of policy reinforcement. These localized indigenous approaches would be fortified through sharing and supporting them in different regions.