Reviving Traditional Knowledge:
Strengthening Climate Resilience in Busijo Community - along the Lake Victoria
basin in Busia County.
The story of climate change in our Busijo community,
a village along the shores of Lake Victoria in Busia County in Kenya, is one
that runs deep, woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. Here, climate
change isn’t just a distant phenomenon we hear about on the news. It’s a harsh,
lived reality that has turned
our
once fertile lands into barren spaces, where survival has become a constant
battle. The rhythm of nature that once sustained our way of life is now thrown
out of balance and in turn leaving many in our community to face the
consequences—poverty, deforestation, and the depletion of vital resources like
water and soil.
Yet, amidst these challenges, a treasure of hope that is remaining is hidden in
the wisdom of our elders. These are men and women whose connection to the land
has never faltered, who still remember a time when our community thrived in
harmony with nature. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, offers
invaluable lessons that hold the keys to not only surviving but thriving in the
face of climate change.
In the past, long before the arrival of modern
technology, our ancestors relied on their understanding of nature’s rhythms to
guide them through life. They observed the subtle changes in weather, plant
life, and animal behavior, and from these signs, they knew exactly when to
plant crops, fish, and even when to prepare for heavy rains or drought. For
instance, the shedding of leaves from indigenous trees like the Mitumba
(African Oak) would signal that it was time to begin planting. The community
would gather, united in a shared understanding that the land and its cycles
could not be rushed. There was patience, there was care, and, most importantly,
there was respect for the natural world.
Fishing, too, followed a natural rhythm. Elders like
Mzee Tobby Malimba,
Former Assistant Chief, now 88, recall how the phases of the
moon dictated the best times to cast their nets and fish. Fishing wasn’t done
indiscriminately—it followed a careful balance that ensured the lake’s fish
stocks were never depleted.
Today, that balance has been disturbed. The younger
generation, swept up in the rush of modern life, has largely lost touch with
the land. Fertilizers and pesticides, unknown to our forefathers, are now
common in farming, and the traditional practices that once allowed the soil to
replenish itself have been abandoned.
Deforestation
has added to the problem, stripping the soil of its natural protection. Trees
that once stood tall, providing shade, medicine, and a home for wildlife, have
been cut down without being replaced. Namarenge, an elder in Busijo community, speaks of a time when
the land was lush with native trees like the Musiola Tree (Markhamia lutea),
whose bark was used to treat a variety of ailments. Jacinta also another elder, shares
a similar sentiment. She remembers being treated with a simple herbal remedy
for swollen legs, made from the bark of a native tree.
The wisdom of elders like Mzee Toby, Namarenge, and
Jacinta is a stark reminder of what has been lost. But it also offers a roadmap
for the future. Their stories of regenerative farming, sustainable fishing, and
the use of native trees for medicinal purposes point to the vital importance of
reconnecting with the land. If we are to combat the effects of climate change, we
must return to these practices—not in opposition to modern technology, but in
harmony with it. By blending the old with the new, we can create a more
sustainable future for Busijo and the wider Lake Victoria basin.
The challenge, however, is not just about restoring
what has been lost. It’s about bridging the gap between generations. The
younger members of our community have grown up in a world of smartphones,
social media, and fast-paced living. Convincing them to embrace the slow,
patient ways of their forefathers isn’t easy. But it is very essential. Traditional knowledge
is not a relic of the past—it is a living, breathing resource that can guide us
through the uncertainties of the future.
We need to urgently create opportunities for these
generations to come together. Community workshops, Village barazas, storytelling
sessions, and practical projects like tree planting and sustainable fishing
practices can provide a space for this exchange of knowledge. It is only by
working together—elders and youth, tradition and innovation—that we can build
the resilience needed to face the challenges of climate change.
One such initiative that holds promise is the idea
of integrating traditional knowledge into modern design innovations. By
learning from our elders and combining their insights with cutting-edge
technology, we can develop solutions that not only address the immediate
impacts of climate change but also tackle its root causes. Sustainable fishing
policies, regenerative farming practices, and large-scale community
tree-planting efforts are just some of the ways we can begin to reverse the
damage that has been done.
As we look to the future, the message from our
elders is clear: we must return to the land, learn from its rhythms, and
respect its boundaries. In doing so, we will not only ensure the survival of
our community but also create a legacy of resilience for generations to come.
The writer, Ian Francis Onyango is a media analyst at the Media
Council of Kenya and the co-founder of Kenge Content Hive Organization.