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International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. www.ijicc.net
Volume 6, Issue 8, 2019
117
Local wisdom in agriculture for
environmental sustainability: A case
study of the Dusun community
Minah, S.a*, Norjietta, T.b, Rosliah, K.c , Novi, S.K.I,d, a,b,cFaculty of
Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University, Perak,
Malaysia, dGadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Corresponding Author Email: a*minahsintian@fbk.upsi.edu.my
Local wisdom consists of beliefs, and local knowledge inherited from
one to another generation practiced in agricultural activities for the
prosperity and harmonious relationship between human beings and
other living beings in the surrounding. This study aims to identify the
belief elements and local knowledge of the Dusun community in the
rural area of Sabah, Malaysia in agricultural activities related to
environmental sustainability. The study was conducted using interview
and observation methods. All the collected data was analyzed, coded,
and interpreted. There are seven main items which can be highlighted
through this study. They are as following; no trees should be cut down
to open agricultural land, animals should not be treated roughly, crops
should be well taken care of, forest burning is done using the right
technique, use barriers or dig a hole to withstand black soil from
eroding to the bottom section, using natural materials to prepare
compost and organic pesticides, and finally to plant crops with strong
roots at the slopes. Those in their 50s are still proudly practicing their
local knowledge in agriculture; besides helping to sustain the
environment. Thus, we find that it is important to highlight this study
on local wisdom since it is in line with sustainable development and
environmental management in this 21st century.
Key words: Local Beliefs And Knowledge, Agricultural, Dusun Community, Nature
Conservation.
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Introduction
Environmental issues are often discussed at many levels either nationally, regionally or even
globally. Unmanaged nature gives implications to the social environment, economics and
politics of a country. Giddens (2000) admits that both the development of a country and the
physical environment influences the social landscape of a country. As a part of global issue,
Malaysia plays a role in contributing ideas gained through the experience of negotiating in
Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) to help the efforts of all parties in realizing
sustainable development especially in Malaysia, and generally in a global scale (Muhammad
et al., 2014). The global initiative in protecting the environment must be strengthened
through the involvement of all levels of society especially the rural society. Unique cultural
heritage which are inherited from the ancestors are significant factors in helping to sustain the
environment in the rural area.
The local wisdom is also known as the traditional knowledge and natural wisdom which is a
unique knowledge related to the culture of a community (Flavier, 1995). Anthropologist like
Koentjaraningrat (2000) and Geertz (2008), state that there is a close relationship between
local wisdom with the traditional culture of a society. Culture is a behavioural pattern which
connects the human community with the ecological environment. The lifestyle of a
community consists of technology and a form of economic organization, settlement pattern,
beliefs, religious practices and more. Zulkarnain and Febriamansyah (Raden et al., 2011),
define local wisdom as principles and certain ways which are upheld, understood, and applied
by a local community in interacting within their surroundings, in addition transforming them
into a value system and customary norms. According to Hornby (Alidri, 2016), local wisdom
is built and developed spontaneously in a community or at certain time. Local wisdom owned
by a community can determine the dignity of mankind in a community he or she represents
due to the wisdom, creativity, and idea becoming a determining factor of the development of
human civilization (Evelina, 2016). This is in addition to symbolizing the stage of a race’s
civilization represented by the community.
Local wisdom is closely related to the positive behaviour of human in adapting to the
environment. This statement suits the opinion of Nitty et al. (2016), who states that the local
wisdom is a result of knowledge accumulated through observations and environmental
experiences by a community group related to the situation. Such perception is associated with
values of religion, beliefs, rituals, customs and traditions, taboos, and local culture which
organizes human lives with the environment (Imam, 2009). The beliefs and local knowledge
act as a medium in dealing with agricultural activities. At the same time, elements of the
beliefs and knowledge help in protecting nature from disasters. The traditional society
believes that their surroundings are inhabited by both humans and also invisible beings. The
invisible beings should be respected to avoid any kind of harm towards humans and crops.
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Thus, clearing of lands for agricultural purposes should be done appropriately for the sake of
well-being and harmony of the inhabitants of the natural surroundings. Intrusions of a land, as
one pleases can fuel the rage of nature. This rage of nature is seen through natural disasters
which can only be restored by a society which has local and ecological wisdom of their place
(Raden et al., 2011).
The African indigenous community in Sankana and Tong-Tengzuk of north Ghana
(Francis& Issifu, 2015), fishing community in the Tinjil Island of Indonesia (Uyeda et al,
2014), the Baduy community of Bentan Indonesia (Raden et al., 2011), and the society living
in the Ban Nong Hua Khon forests of Thailand (Suchart et al., 2010), protect the nature at
their settlements through local wisdom inherited from one generation to another. For
instance, the Baduy community assesses the types of soil, the content of humus and the
inclination of the slope while choosing new agricultural land (Raden et al, 2011). The types
of soil and content of humus are closely related to soil fertility to avoid usage of chemical
fertilizers; while the inclination of the slope is related to prevention of natural disasters. The
Baduy community does not cut down big trees in agricultural land to avoid land erosion. To
avoid the humus soil from being washed away by the rain, the terracing of slopes is done
using pieces of wood.
The beheading practice by the Dusun community a long time ago is also seen as being
significant with the local wisdom on agriculture. Phelan (2001) tells about the beheading
ceremony known as magang or manangod in the Dusun community, believed to have a spirit
which could provide prosperity and fortune to the farming community. Phelan also mentions
that a part of the decapitated head will be kept or hung in a hut used for rice storage for the
purpose of its protection. Minah (2014) claims that the farmers hope that the spirit from the
decapitated head will keep away any disease from their crops, as well as prevent wild animal
attacks and natural disasters. Farmers who do not own modern technology rely on this belief
for the treatment of crops. Theoretically, the tradition of beheading avoids environmental
pollution caused by pesticides and chemical fertilizers in addition to avoiding long drought,
hurricanes, and continuous rain which brings negative implications especially to the farming
community and nature generally.
The Dusun community in Tambunan, Sabah believes that food elements such as eggs, tapai
(toddy made from rice), rice, betel leaves, fruits and others could protect rice from being
eaten by small animals like rats (Zamawi, 2001). These foods are left on the harvested rice.
They believe that the elements of the food will hinder the pests (especially rats) from eating
the harvest. Besides, the animism belief is taken into consideration during the opening of a
new agricultural land, such as chanting of spells (Hanafi, 2005). The spells are recited by a
shaman for the purpose of requesting the land spirit to move to another place as the land is
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soon to be developed by the owner. The recited spells are believed to free the agricultural
land from disturbances of evil spirits and protect the soil from pest attacks.
In this 21st century, studies regarding local wisdom in agriculture and sustainability of
environment are still considered relevant. Nakashima et al. (2002) verifies that local wisdom
is the foundation in local food production in many developing countries. For instance, the
study Institute Lazare Sehoueto Kilimandjaro (Benin) proves that local food production in
many developing countries are represented by small scale farmers who use local wisdom as
the main knowledge resources in the production of 70 to 90 percent of agricultural products.
Article 8 (j), Convention on Biodiversity (1992) in Rio reaffirms the indigenous society’s
rights to defend the local wisdom especially in the preservation of biological diversity,
continuous usage of its components, and usage of genetical resources to be shared fairly with
the community (Neilson & Spencer, 2012).
The Dusun community residing at the foot of Kinabalu Mountain are rural farmers of Sabah,
Malaysia who have been practicing the environmental sustainability while practicing
agriculture activities. The term ‘Dusun’ itself describes the society living in that area. Rutter
(1985) and Dayu (2008), relate the term ‘Dusun’ with the villagers living at the foothills,
rural areas and practicing agriculture. Generally, the Dusun ethnic uses the environment they
reside as agricultural land by traditionally planting various types of rice, fruits and vegetables
(Pugh- Kitingan, 2012). The Dusun farming community who are living at the foot of Mount
Kinabalu are skilful in the plantation of hillside paddy, various types of potatoes, and
highland vegetables.
A small number of farmers belonging to the Dusun community especially the older
generation who are living in the same area still hold on strongly to the traditional beliefs such
as spirits of the forest, trees, and other natural elements as the factors influencing the growth
and fertility of crops, prevention of natural disasters, and liberating humans from any mishaps
while doing agricultural activities (Minah, 2013). They have to protect and respect the nature
such as forests, rivers, mountains, valleys and others because nature is significant with the
continuation of their lives as farmers. For instance, lands are explored for plantation
purposes, rivers as sources of drinks and watering plants, and forest products as source of
food, as well as equipment for houses and plantations.
The aim of this study is to discuss the local wisdom in agriculture for the Dusun community
in rural areas in sustaining the environment based on the following questions:
(1) What are the elements of beliefs in agricultural activities which could help in sustaining
the environment?;
(2) What is the local knowledge in agricultural activities which could help in sustaining the
environment? and
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(3) How are beliefs and local knowledge practiced by generations of farmers in agriculture?
Methods
Study area
This study was conducted in three villages at three districts located at the foot of Mount
Kinabalu which are Bundu Tuhan (Ranau district), Kiah Nuluh (Kota Belud district) and
Tiong Gondohon (Tuaran district).
Fig. 1. Location of all three research areas at the foot of Mount Kinabalu.
Source: Adapted from “Map of Mount Kinabalu in Bundu Tuhan area” by maplandia.com,
http://www.maplandia.com/malaysia/sabah/bundu-tuhan/parks/mount-kinabalu/
All three villages are inhabited by the Dusun community who have been conducting
traditional agricultural activities for a long time. Burrough (1978) explains that the Dusun
community in Bundu Tuhan has been practicing traditional activities such as the plantation of
hillside paddy, corns, cassava, sweet potatoes, sugar canes, coffee, and tobacco in the cleared
forest area. According to Burrough, the community in the village began planting highland
TIONG
BUNDU
KIAU
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vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, pi-tsui, beans, potatoes, capsicums, leeks, cauliflowers,
carrots and rhubarb around the year 1955. The cultivation of highland vegetables in Bundu
Tuhan have become commercial agricultural plants (Vincent et al, 2017), in addition to
pineapple plantations (Suraidah, 2018) at Kiau Nuluh. Based on our observations, Tiong
Gondohon farmers also plant rubber trees for commercial purposes.
All three villages had experienced a mild vibration as the effect of an earthquake measuring
6.0 on the Richter scale, which took place at Mount Kinabalu on 5th June 2015 (Bernama,
2015). The Dusun community living around the foot of Mount Kinabalu believe that the
supernatural protector of the mountain protected the people who lived around the area from a
natural disaster (Pak Roshan, 2015). There was no loss of human or animal life, and no
destruction of property, damage of crops, or agricultural soil erosion. Local wisdom is based
on the traditional beliefs known as monolob om monogit Akinabalu (rituals to recover the
effect of hidden danger and to restore the hot climate back to cold) which has been practiced
to communicate with the supernatural elements in order to forgive the misbehaviour of
human beings and to protect people who live in the community (Dewina, 2015).
Study participants
Participants were identified from locations which experienced the vibration of tthe
earthquake at Mount Kinabalu in 2015. This was done through online newspapers (Berita
Harian and Sayang Kinabalu). We collected the telephone numbers of all three presidents of
the Village Security and the Development Committee (JKKK) through a commonly known
friend. All three presidents were contacted and informed about the purpose of the research.
Appointments to interview the informants were fixed by the president of JKKK at the house
of one of the informants in every research location. The criteria to choose informants include:
(1) Farmers of Dusun ethnicity;
(2) Has been working as a full time farmer, in the research locations, for not less than 30
years; and
(3) Has experiences in traditional agriculture.
The number of informants is thirteen, 4 females from Bundu Tuhan, 2 females and a male
from Kiau Nuluh, as well as 2 females and 4 males from Tiong Gondohon village. Ages of
informants are within 50 to 84 years old. Informants’ identities were kept secret and only
labelled as informant B1, B2 and so on in addition to abiding to the ethical principles in
research (Table 1).
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Table 1: Informant Demography
Informant
Sex
Location
Occupation
Age
B 1
Female
Bundu Tuhan, Ranau
Farmer
77
B 2
Female
Bundu Tuhan, Ranau
Farmer
77
B 3
Female
Bundu Tuhan, Ranau
Farmer
84
B 4
Female
Bundu Tuhan, Ranau
Farmer
50
K 5
Female
Kiau Nuluh, Kota Belud
Farmer
69
K 6
Female
Kiau Nuluh, Kota Belud
Farmer
74
K 7
Male
Kiau Nuluh, Kota Belud
Farmer
50
T 8
Male
Tiong Gondohon, Tuaran
Farmer
65
T 9
Male
Tiong Gondohon, Tuaran
Farmer
78
T 10
Female
Tiong Gondohon, Tuaran
Farmer
58
T11
Male
Tiong Gondohon, Tuaran
Farmer
57
T 12
Male
Tiong Gondohon, Tuaran
Farmer
54
T 13
Female
Tiong Gondohon, Tuaran
Farmer
53
Data collection and analysis
Field research is a suitable method for an ethnography research. Further, we will obtain
information from the answers and the ways informants react, besides being able to observe
the surrounding of the location (Spradley, 1997). Field research helps in judging the
trustworthiness and validity of information when doing repeated observations on the
researched phenomenon, besides encouraging active participation in judging whether the
interpretation explained is as what they have meant (Othman, 2009). Data is collected using
partially structured interview method and observations (Othman, 2009). Some of the
questions were prepared earlier are forwarded during interviews. However, we are free to
further explore the answers informants provide through further but minimum prompting
questions.
The language used in interviews is simplified based on the understanding of informants who
are aged farmers and lacking in formal education. Interviews were held in groups according
to the villages. The purpose of having a group interview was to allow the informants to
remind and correct each other’s information regarding local wisdom in agriculture which
could help in sustaining the environment. Meanwhile, the observation method involved
observing geographical location, plantations areas, non-verbal events and informants’
behaviours. Observation is one of the methods used to obtain information in understanding
events which took place around us, both consciously and unconsciously (Chua, 2006). We
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went to the plantation fields to watch how informants practice agricultural activities (Table
2). Some of the information which garnered close attention was:
(1) the location of orchards/plantation fields;
(2) Tress around orchards/plantation fields;
(3) Working methods of farmers in the orchards/plantation fields;
(4) Types of mixed crops planted in the orchards/plantations; and
(5) The interaction of farmers with crops (talking, caressing, whistling, singing, reciting
poetry and eliminating the pests). Both visual recordings and photographs were done during
the interviews and observations (Fig.2).
Fig. 2. Observing the orchards and plantation fields at the research locations (local wisdom in
agriculture to sustain the environment) at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. A) trees are left to
grow in between the plantation fields; B) farmers uproot grasses among rice plants using
traditional methods while talking to the rice plants; C) lay the barriers in steep areas; D) help
researchers to observe while interviewing the informants; E, F) highland vegetables planted
as companion planting.
A
B
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Source: Minah S., Joseph, A.D.
The data analysis in qualitative research consists of data preparation and organization which
requires the creative and intellectual process of researchers (Rasid & Raman, 2012). The data,
which is given themes during the coding process, will be represented in the forms of charts,
tables or discussions (Creswell, 2007). Initially, we would listen to the video and audio
recordings of the interviews a few times. This is followed by transcribing the interviews word
by word. We would read the transcriptions repeatedly and isolate information by looking for
units of meanings in words, phrases, sentences, thinking styles of research informants, and
other details which were noticed during observations. We code each piece of information
found and relevant to the research questions. This is in line with the explanation by Rasid &
Raman (2012), the final phase of analysing data is giving an interpretation, which is to
involve the process of providing meaning and value to the analysis, explaining relationship
forms and patterns, in addition to the connection and origins of the emerging dimensions.
C
E
F
D
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Results
Data from observations and interviews regarding local wisdom in agriculture can be seen in
Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 2: Details from observations at Bundu Tuhan, Kiau Nuluh and Tiong Gondohon
villages.
Details
Bundu Tuhan
Kiau Nuluh
Tiong Gondohon
Location
Located in hill
Located in hill slopes
Located at hill slopes
orchards/
slopes with
with inclination
with inclination
plantation fields
inclination within
Within
within
25° - 30°
30° - 50°
30° - 50°
Types of plants Highland vegetables Pineapples, bananas,
Rubber, bananas,
hillside
and hillside paddy hillside paddy, onions,
paddy, corns,
cucumbers,
cucumbers and local
fruits
Pumpkins, and local
fruits
Trees around orchards/
Secondary plants like
Secondary plants like
Secondary plants like
plantation fields
bamboo and soft-stem
bamboos, and soft and
bamboos, and soft and
plants
hard stem plants
hard stem plants
Ways to work on the
Use traditional
equipment
Use traditional
equipment
Use traditional
equipment
orchards/plantation
(blunt machete,
(blunt machete,
(blunt machete,
fields
machete, hoe, rake,
machete, hoe) and
machete, hoe) and
spade) and modern
modern
modern
(tractors, grass
cutters) (tractors, grass cutters) (tractors, grass cutters)
Interaction of farmers
Talking with
vegetables No observations
Talking with the rice
plants
with crops
while uprooting
grasses
while weeding and
and throwing away
the
stripping off the paddy
caterpillars (heard
leaves
curses about
caterpillars
eating the vegetables)
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Secondary plants were left to grow around the plantation fields, especially at the water source
area at all three research locations (Fig 2A). Most farmers still use traditional equipment such
as machetes, hoes, and spades in agricultural activities. Heavy equipment such as chainsaws
are used while cutting down trees and grass cutters are used at rubber estates.
Table 3: Excerpt from interviews of informants related to their beliefs and local knowledge
in agriculture.
Informants
Interview Excerpts
K5
Do gawoi prior to opening new land for agriculture. I managed to do gawoi.
I don’t have a religion. It means clear a small area. Request Kinorohingan for a dream
that night.
K6
Yes, do gawoi first. The purpose is to chase the evil spirits on the soil. Request for a
dream that night.
B1
Do gawoi on the land which is going to be cleared. Clean up a small area and request
for a dream.
B2
Trees are not cut down during gawoi. Request for a dream from Kinorohingan that
night.
B3
Do gawoi. The cleared area can fit only one person.
T10
The elders always mention about doing gawoi but I can’t recall the methods.
T8
Yes. Our elders used to do gawoi too.
T9
Do gawoi before opening a new plantation. There are spells to be chanted. Request for
a dream that night from Kinorohingan. If it is a good dream,
the clearing of land can be continued.
T10
Do not cut down all trees while clearing the land. Leave three trees.
T11
Leave a few trees.
B2
Leave one or two trees.
T12
Before setting fire, clear around 3 to 6 feet of space around the plantation field to
prevent
fire from spreading into the forest.
B2
Clear the plantation field first. Set fire in the evening or morning.
T9
The fire can be set even in the evening. Burn according to the opposite wind direction
to avoid fire from spreading into the forest.
T8
If you want to avoid fertile soil to erode, lay woods horizontally in between stumps.
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T11
I dig holes at the bottom part of the steep section. Soil would erode into holes, if it
rains.
I have planted fruit trees and sweet potatoes there.
B4
I use compost from grasses. I put them into the soil.
B2
I make my own pesticides. I use dried chilies and garlics. Pound and soak them for
a week before using.
B4
I also do my own pesticides, I use dried chilies, tobacco leaves and lemongrass.
K7
The land is steep in this village. So, we plant lemongrass, bamboo and fruits at river
banks
to prevent landslides.
K5
We used to plant yoyogi. The leaves can fertilize the soil.
T13
We do not cut down the trees at the river banks. We plant lemongrass and bamboo
at steep areas.
B4
I use gagamas to throw away grasses, while looking closely and talking to at cabbage
leaves.
B2
I also talk to plants. If I accidentally cut a paddy stalk, I would say,
"Pity you, paddy. Don’t be upset. Grow well."
B1
Do not be rough if you are chasing away the birds eating the rice. Take some soil and
throw it towards the birds. Do not shout.
K6
Long time ago, used a rags. Making them into human forms to scare the birds.
T13
I would not shout to chase the birds. According to the belief, birds will be even more
stubborn if we shout at them.
Elements of beliefs in agriculture which helps in sustaining the environment
The Dusun community of those days and some of the current generation practice the beliefs
of their ancestors, such as gawoi, dreams, talking with plants, and chasing away the birds
(Table 4) in agricultural activities. The beliefs of gawoi and dreams can stop humans from
cutting down trees as they please. Talking with plants is believed to ignite the spirits of plants
to continue growth. A good growth helps to reduce usage of pesticides and chemical
fertilizers. Pests like birds can be avoided through an ethical belief, which is not to be rough
with animals. This also avoids usage of pesticides which are dangerous for humans and
nature.
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Table 4: Elements of beliefs in agriculture which helps in sustaining the environment.
Gawoi Beliefs
Interpretations
Gawoi ritual means to review or estimate a new land for agricultural
purposes.
This ritual is conducted by a shaman in an area of about a meter square
feet.
There will be no cutting down of trees, but the bushes around will be
cleared.
The gawoi ritual will be followed by chanting of spells seeking guidance
from Kinorohingan (God) whether the area is suitable for agricultural
activities.
Dreams
The shaman requests to Kinorohingan to give dreams to the land owner
while stabbing the land with machete. The dream would be interpreted by
elders with expertise in interpreting dreams. The agricultural activities
would be continued if it is a good dream and vice versa.
Talking with
plants
Farmers will talk to the plants with the purpose of igniting the spirits of
plants in order for them to grow well. This activity is practiced while
weeding is done using gagamas (blunt machete). Farmers would caress
the leaves of the plants while uttering words of hopes, love, caring and
pleads.
Chasing away
Birds
Farmers who plant rice crops will chase away the birds which comes to eat
the paddy fruits. Dusun community believes that all living being has
spirits. Therefore, the birds should not be chased away by force, such as
shouting, cursing and throwing stones. Farmers would make scarecrows
using old rags which would be placed in the paddy fields to scare away the
birds.
Local knowledge in agriculture which helps in sustaining the environment
Local knowledge is inherited from one to another generation for the purpose of continuation
of heritage, splendour, sanctity, strength, and the spirit of togetherness. Table 5 shows the
local knowledge of the Dusun community, staying in rural areas, in handling agricultural
activities. A few trees are left to grow at the water catchment area and the plantation fields for
the purpose of continuous water supply and to protect crops from being destroyed by storm.
The activity of getting rid of rubbish, like branches and leaves around the plantations before
burning them could help to save the forest from being burnt. The skills of setting fire with
reversing techniques and wind direction are forms of local knowledge which could prevent
fire from spreading to the forest.
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The uniqueness of Malaysia as a tropical rainforest is not enough to help farmers to preserve
the soil fertility and safety of their plantation fields. Heavy rainfall throughout the year
accelerates the land erosion of the Dusun community which is at the foot of Mount Kinabalu.
The fragility of land at hill slopes also causes landslides to happen. Thus, the activity of
laying barriers and digging holes are a form of local knowledge inherited to collect fertile
black soil from being washed away by rain to the bottom section. Bamboos, lemongrass and
fruits are planted at steep edges to strengthen the land.
Frequently used soil loses its fertility. One of the local knowledge practiced by farmers to
restore the fertility of soil is by making compost from grasses which grow on the raised
planting beds. The grasses are cut and put into holes dug using spades. It would be covered
with soil and left for a few days before plantation takes place. The stalk and leaves of yoyogi
plants, which are planted in plantation fields, also helps to fertilize the soil. In addition,
farmers have reduced the usage of chemical pesticides on plants by using organic pesticides.
These organic pesticides are made of plants such as dried chillies, garlic, tobacco leaves, and
lemongrass which are pounded and soaked for a week before used.
Table 5: Local knowledge in agriculture which helps in sustaining the environment.
Local Knowledge
Interpretation
Allowing trees to
grow Not all trees are cut during cutting down activities. Trees at river banks
are allowed to grow to prevent landslides and issues with water
catchment area. Two or three trees are left to grow in the cleared
plantations area for the purpose of providing shade and for birds to perch.
Creating fire breaks
Before setting fire to the plantations, farmers will clean up around 3 to
6 feet of the plantation field area. The place should be free of rubbish to
avoid fire to spread to the forest area or someone else’s plantations.
surround the farms
Burning
The act of burning the plantations will be done in between 9 to 10 am or
3 to 4 pm. It should not be done during long drought season. Farmers
depend on wind direction. The upper part of the edge of the plantations
which has high potential to receive strong wind using the reverse
technique will be burnt earlier to avoid the fire to spread into the forest
area.
Laying barriers
Farmers would lay woods in between stumps or thrust the wood in places
without stumps. This method hinders fertile black soil from being
eroded and heaps at the bottom section.
Digging holes
A few holes will be dug as deep and wide as 1 square feet at steep areas.
The purpose is to stop fertile land from eroding to the bottom part which
is not used for plantations. The holes will be planted with fruit trees and
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sweet potatoes.
Making compost
Compost is made from grasses which grows on the raised planting beds.
The grasses would be put into the holes, dug using spades and covered
with soil.
Making pesticides
Farmers made organic pesticides with plants like dried chilies, garlics,
tobacco leaves and lemongrass. These products are mixed, pounded
and soaked for a week before used.
Planting crops
Plants like lemongrass, bamboos and fruit trees are planted at the edge
of steep banks to avoid landslides. Yoyogi plants are planted in plantation
fields to fertilize the land through the dried leaves and stems.
The practices of farming generation towards beliefs and local knowledge in agriculture
The practices of beliefs and local knowledge in agriculture of three generations of farmers
based on age categories (Table 6) were analysed based on the data (Table 3). Farmers over 71
years old have seen and practiced the gawoi ritual. Most of the informants do not practice
gawoi anymore after embracing Christianity. One of the female informants; around 61 to 70
years old, who has not embraced any of the modern religions, still practices gawoi and
dreams before opening any new land for agricultural purposes. The practices of talking to the
plants and chasing away birds in a proper way are still practiced by informants aged within
50 to 60 years old. Most of the informants who are still practicing these beliefs are women.
The practices of local knowledge such as allowing trees to grow, getting rid of rubbish,
laying woods as barriers, digging holes, making compost, making organic pesticides, and
planting crops at steep edges are still practiced by farmers; especially those around 50 to 60
years old. The Dusun community living in rural areas is still practicing the cultural heritage
of previous generations. Informants think that such local knowledge should be retained
because they are not against the beliefs of Christianity. They also realize that the local
knowledge they has been practiced in agriculture can help in sustaining the environment.
Table 6: The practices of farming generations towards beliefs and local knowledge in
agriculture.
Age group
50-60 years
old
61-70 years
old
Over 71 years
old Percentage
Gender
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Kepercayaan
Gawoi
-
1
1
1
1
4
61.54
Dreams
-
-
-
1
1
3
34.46
Talking with plants
-
1
-
-
-
1
15.38
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Volume 6, Issue 8, 2019
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Chasing away birds
-
1
-
-
-
2
23.08
Local Knowledge
Allowing trees to grow
1
1
-
-
-
1
23.08
Creating fire breaks around the
farm 1 - - - - 1 15.38
Burning
-
-
-
-
1
1
15.38
Laying barriers
-
-
1
-
-
-
7.69
Digging holes
1
-
-
-
-
-
7.69
Making compost
-
1
-
-
-
-
7.69
Making pesticides
-
1
-
-
-
1
15.38
Planting crops
1
1
-
1
-
-
23.08
Discussion
Beliefs and local knowledge of rural farmers of the Dusun community in handling
agricultural activities are based on the culture inherited from ancestors who were practicing
animism. The animism beliefs emphasize that things are formed and takes place in weird and
unearthly conditions, as well as having their own spirits and extraordinary powers. The
generation aged 61 years and above had witnessed land opening rituals involving the
animism beliefs like gawoi and dreams. This means that the farmers are not supposed to
explore forests as they please without the rituals to avoid any unforeseen incidents. This is in
line with the research by Hanafi (2005), who found that the Kadazan in Penampang district of
Sabah, Malaysia did babas (peace) or sogit (penalty) rituals before opening new land, seeking
permission from the soil spirit, and to prevent the forest from disturbing the works of cutting
down trees and clearing the land. The beliefs of talking to the plants and chasing away the
birds carefully are still being practiced by the generation aged 50 to 60 years old. Hanafi
(2005) admits that the Kadazan farmers treat the bambarayon (rice spirit) very well through
prayer and flattery. This is to ensure that the crops live and bear a lot of fruit. The practice of
animism beliefs has given implications to the sustainability of the environment through the
reduction of unnecessary logging and usage of fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
The Dusun farming’ community still maintains a close relationship with both the visible and
invisible nature for the purpose of harmony and prosperity of humans in the environment.
This is similar with the research by Suchart et al. (2010), regarding the practice of collecting
forest resources intelligently by a small Thailand community, living in the forest of Ban
Nong Hua Khon. The uncontrolled collection of forest resources had stopped as a sign of
respect and fear of sins towards the ancestral Don Pu Ta’s spirits, acting as the guardians of
the forest. Research by Ramle et al. (2014), found that the Semaq Beri tribes in Hulu
Terengganu, Malaysia collect forest products in an orderly manner to avoid being
reprimanded by the supernatural powers Semaq hala. These beliefs can prevent the extinction
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133
of forest resources which are the treasures for the future generations. This suits Keesing’s
adaptive cultural system theory (1974), which sees humans as beings that should protect the
adapted relationship with the ecosystem so that it lasts multiple lifetimes. Iman (2015) admits
that this theory sees the culture as a system expanded by the society to fulfil the needs of their
life or as an adaptation strategy to explain the environmental challenges.
The farmers of the Dusun community, living at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, have expanded
their local knowledge system through their observations and experiences with nature. Their
lives, which assimilates with nature, provides them with the knowledge regarding change of
weather, types of suitable crops to be planted, planting and harvesting seasons, creating
traditional technologies and many others for the survival of their community. For instance, in
the Dusun community technical skills such as working in the field, building houses, and
hunting are based on the traditional wisdom of observing the movement of sun and moon
(Rosliah et al., 2017).
The practice of not cutting down trees growing at the water catchment areas and steep edges
are some of the Dusun community farmers’ local knowledge. They understand the effects of
cutting down trees which causes the water resource for domestic uses to be disrupted. The
tendency of practicing shifting cultivation by most traditional Dusun community farmers
provides them with experiences to be cautious in the burning plantation field activity to avoid
it spreading to someone else’s land and forests. They are also sensitive to the condition of
rain throughout the year which causes the black fertile soil to erode to the bottom section
which they are not working on. Therefore, the farmers lay long pieces of wood in between
stubs as barriers to control the erosion as well as digging holes to collect the black soil.
The inability of Dusun community farmers to buy chemical fertilizers and pesticides
encourages them to adapt the materials they have in their surroundings to be made into
fertilizers and pest repellents. With the guidance from Dutch Missionaries who resided in
Bundu Tuhan village in 1955, their local knowledge regarding agriculture had improved
(Burrough, 1978). The generations of 50 year olds and above are still active in using grasses
as compost for the purpose of fertilizing the plantation fields. At the same time, there are still
some farmers who plant yoyogi to fertilize their plantation fields. The leaves of the plant are
believed to restore the soil fertility. Using natural materials encourages the ecosystems’
beneficial microbes, reduces pests and avoids the release of greenhouse gases. Methods used
also have produced organic crops which are of high demand in local markets. This indirectly
increases the income of rural farmers.
The sensitivity of the Dusun community towards their environment, which always faces
landslides, led them to plant crops believed to strengthen the soil. They plant bamboos and
lemongrass at river banks and the slopes of plantation fields. The plants have deep and strong
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Volume 6, Issue 8, 2019
134
roots to function as soil stabilizers. Adapting to the ecological pressure too has provided local
knowledge to the Dusun community in choosing multifunctional plants. Bamboo shoots and
lemongrass can be eaten, besides providing additional income. In addition, bamboo plants
can be used to build houses, cattle pens, kitchen utensils, handicrafts, and more.
Local wisdom functioning as knowledge resource and collection of the experiences of
ancestors, inherited from one generation to another, faces globalization and modernization
challenges. The farmers, whom used to adhere to the orders of clearing the forest using
traditional equipment, had changed their thinking ways and behaviour in accordance with
changes of time. Financial capabilities allow them to buy or rent bulldozers. They use
machines to bring down trees and to loosen the ground. Many plant species are destroyed
and black soil containing organic fertilizers erodes. The destruction of plants affects global
warming, landslides, and drying of water catchment sources. The eroded black soil would be
substituted with chemical fertilizers. The value of respect between man and nature is
extinguishing.
Most of the older generation who defend the beliefs and local knowledge in agriculture have
passed away. Farmers aged 70 and above also have become less productive. The animism
beliefs like gawoi and dreams are no more inherited by the younger generation. Besides,
most of the younger generation have embraced Christianity and Islam. The practice of
animism beliefs is seen as being against their religions. However, local knowledge such as
allowing trees to grow, getting rid of rubbishes, laying barriers, digging holes, making
compost, making organic pesticides, and planting crops on steep slopes are still the basis of
the Dusun community in sustaining the environment and inheriting it to the younger
generation.
Conclusions
The interviews and observations we did concludes that beliefs and local knowledge inherited
from ancestors plays an important role in the sustainability of the environment, especially at
the foot of Mount Kinabalu. There are seven main details which can be highlighted through
this research: trees are not cut down as pleased to open new agricultural land, animals cannot
be treated roughly, crops must be taken good care of, burning of forest is done using the right
techniques, using woods as barriers or digging holes to stop black soil from eroding to the
bottom parts of farms, using natural materials to make compost and organic pesticides, in
addition to planting plants with strong roots at the edge of banks. All the seven details can
help the survival of the Dusun community farmers in the rural area because they have local
wisdom in managing and cultivate the natural resources around them. In conclusion, the
local wisdom in agriculture can complement science and technology knowledge to solve the
ecosystem problems of this century.
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Volume 6, Issue 8, 2019
135
Acknowledgement
Authors are thankful to the Research Management & Innovation Centre, Sultan Idris
Education University which provides Top Down KPT Research Grant Code 2016-0213-107-
41 to carry out this study.
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