INDIGENOUS POST-HARVEST PRACTICES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS ON FOOD SECURITY IN ALEBTONG DISTRICT 1980-2022; A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
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2026-10-20
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Abstract
This study explored the role of indigenous post-harvest practices on food security in Alebtong District from 1980 to 2022. It aimed to: (1) examine existing indigenous post-harvest food management practices among the Lango; (2) investigate the historical trend of food security in Alebtong District between 1980 and 2022; and (3) examine the relationship between these practices and food security. Using a qualitative historical research approach, participatory observations, semi-structured oral interviews (including 7 key informant interviews), and 4 focus group discussions (20 participants) were conducted with 77 participants (43 women, 34 men) aged 40-92 years. The findings reveal that traditional practices like threshing, winnowing, sun-drying, smoking, fermentation, and granary storage remain crucial for preserving food among the Lango. However, challenges such as pest infestation, climate change, and labor intensity limit their sustainability. The historical analysis reveals five distinct phases: conflict-induced food crisis (1980-1989); continued insecurity and humanitarian dependence (1990-1999); post-conflict recovery (2000-2009); modern agricultural transition (2010-2019); and climate-economic challenges (2020-2022). The 1980s “Kalodo” drought represents a pivotal famine event that fundamentally altered local food management strategies. The study concludes that indigenous practices demonstrate significant resilience value, and recommends integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technologies, implementing climate-smart agricultural training that builds on local knowledge, improving market access for preserved traditional foods, and developing district-level policies that recognize indigenous knowledge systems as outlined in NDPIII (2020/21-2024/2025) and SDG 4.7 on education for sustainable development.
Key words: Indigenous post-harvest practices, Food security, Alebtong District, Lango, Traditional food management