Exploring Indigenous Technical Knowledge and Identifying Key Challenges in Rodent Trap Design

In developing countries like India, indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) is an integral and invaluable aspect of agricultural practices. Among many indigenous communities, Yenadis in the state of Andhra Pradesh have developed effective pest control methods based on their ITK, demonstrating the rich reservoir of local wisdom that can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture. This research aims to explore the indigenous technical knowledge of the Yenadi community and identify key challenges in making rodent traps. In order to achieve this aim, multiple qualitative research methods, including field visits, informal meetings, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews, were used to gather the intended data. The sample contained 15 participants from the Yanadi community engaged in rodent trap fabrication, installation/ distribution, and earning livelihoods. The respondents were asked about the source of information regarding indigenous rodent control in farmland, ways of learning rodent trap design, and challenges faced during the implementation. It was observed that indigenous knowledge on rodent control comes from the ancestors and through knowledge dissemination from skilled and experienced persons in the community. Youngsters learn the technical design aspects from seniors but develop their skill sets through practice. Although the Indigenous community’s knowledge in designing rodent traps is valuable for sustainable pest control, using such traps has declined rapidly over time due to numerous socioeconomic reasons. The need of the hour is to develop appropriate strategies for reviving and promoting such traditional sustainable pest control practices to ensure the livelihood generation of the underprivileged groups.