Endogenous knoledge of traditional fish and rice farmers in lower-Casamance (Senegal)

Abstract

In Lower Casamance, fish farming and rice growing are a very important socio-economic activity. The symbiosis that is often established between the two production systems by local people, explains the livelihood of traditional fish farming in the area. The objective of this study is to document the endogenous knowledge and practices of traditional fish and rice farmers. To do this, a survey was conducted in the villages of Mlomp and Bandial. Although declining, the fish farming and rice farming activities are still supported by the endogenous knowledge such as the technique of management of mangrove mudflats, the management of the water stock between the rice fields and the fish ponds and the control of the tidal rhythm in relation with the abundance of genitors and the stocking period. Ethnobotanical, ethno-astrological and, ethnozoological knowledges and circalunar attributes in reference to tidal rhythms were reported by producers. At the ethnobotanical level, these attributes are related to Avicennia germinans and Parkia biglobosa for the determination of the stocking period of the ponds. Regarding ethnobotanical knowledge, the fruiting of Avicennia germinans and Parkia biglobosa indicate the stocking period. On the ethno-astrological level, the position of the moon allows producers to know the current or future tide. In reference to ethnozoology, they rely on the songs of some bird species, including Arden goliat, Halcyon senegalensis and Halcyon Malimbica, which indicate the current or next tide. Determined empirically, the duration of the high or low tide is about three hours in the study area. Producers are also aware of various fish diets in ponds (planktophagous, detritivore and carnivore). Experienced fish farmers know how to recognize fish sex in the pond. They know the potential sources of conflict related to traditional fish farming as well as the constraints that hinder the development of this production system.