Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #47

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Agricultural activities vary in different regions round the globe. This is a very wonderful topic because we will get to know different cultural beliefs from different regions, thereby enhancing our knowledge in agricultural practices.

What do you know about cultural Beliefs in Agriculture

From my own understanding, cultural beliefs in agriculture are those pieces of knowledge of farming that have been passed down from generation to generation. These beliefs, values and behaviours contribute to the way agricultural practices are carried out.

Discuss the Agricultural beliefs in your Community or region

One of the agricultural beliefs in my community is that you do not go to the farm on market days. It is believed that we are to plant, weed or carry out the harvest for three days, and on the fourth day, which is on the market day, we are to rest.

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It is also believed that on the fourth day, the ancestors go to our farms to bless the work that has been done for three days. This makes the market days sacred days in my community.

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During planting seasons, when someone is faced with the challenge of birds and rodents eating up already planted crops like maize, melon, pepper, tomatoes and so on, he is to use big black nylon bags or rags with strong sticks to make a scarecrow. When the wind blows, it is believed that the flapping sounds from the nylon bags or rags chase the birds and rodents away.

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Another agricultural belief in my community is that when you set a trap for bush animals and the trap happens to catch an antelope, the animal will be taken to my village head's palace, where it will be butchered. The skull with the horns will be given to the village head, who in turn blesses the hunter. The rest of the meat will be shared among the chiefs, while a large portion will be for the hunter and his family. If the hunter happens to catch another antelope in his lifetime, he will be given a chieftancy title.

Also in my community, it is believed that during harvest, especially for those with big areas of farm, we are to leave the crops that have not fully matured, especially cassava.

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Then, whenever there is a bird nest with bird eggs or baby birds on a tree or crop, we are to leave such crop or tree until the birds relocate.

Discuss on the Taboos and restrictions in farming in your community

It is a taboo in my community for a woman to climb a palm tree. It is believed that a man is to climb a palm tree or cut palm fruits.

It is also a taboo for a bleeding woman to go to a farm. It is believed that she will desecrate the farmland with her bleeding.

In my community, when someone is caught on market day going to the farm, he or she is to pay a huge sum of levy.

I believe in one way or another, these practices based on beliefs help in the carrying out of agricultural activities and the well-being of farmers in my community.

I would love @hive-118902, @okere-blessing, @bossj25, @chilaw and @xkool24 to share their ideas in this contest.