Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #47

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What do you know about cultural Beliefs in Agriculture.

Cultural beliefs of agriculture can be defined as being the traditional practices, values and practices that influence how individuals make their farms, employ land and their relationship with nature. Farming is not only perceived as a source of food production in most communities, but also a source of spiritual and cultural activity. Indicatively, there are those cultures that consider that some crops are holy and should be planted or picked on certain days as opposed to others who consider land and animals as a gift of the ancestors. Most rituals, songs and festivals are usually related to agricultural seasons such as planting and harvest.

These ideologies have the potential of sustaining biodiversity, building community relationships, and supporting sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, they can also restrict the use of scientific practices in case traditions are opposite to the scientific ones.

Discuss the Agricultural beliefs in your Community or region.

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The culture in my community has a strong relationship with agriculture. Most individuals assume that God has blessed farming and that before one plans to plant or harvest, prayers should be made so that one gets a good harvest. There are days of the week that are seen as sacred in agricultural activities and particular crops that are given special respect, such as the yam and cassava.

An example is the New Yam Festival, which takes place before the first yam can be consumed, as a means of praising God and the ancestors because the season was productive. There is also the perception of the farmers that the soil remains fertile by the use of natural practices, including animal manure. Such beliefs do not just manage to preserve traditions, but also encourage unity and respect towards the land on which the community lives.

Discuss on the Taboos and restrictions in farming in your community.

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Traditional farming in my community Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, is governed by a number of taboos and restrictions that are intergenerational. Crops are not supposed to be cultivated during some sacred days like the Eke market day, when the land is presumed to be resting. No one is to eat or sell new yams before the New Yam Festival because this is seen as disrespectful to ancestors.

And during pregnancy, women are not supposed to walk into the yam barns in order to experience some spiritual misfortune. Deforestation, particularly the sacred trees that are said to harbor spirits is highly prohibited. And harvesting too soon or throwing away farm produce is also a taboo since this is perceived as a disrespect to the land gods. Such traditions maintain dignity of tradition, nature and social cohesion.

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