Farmers? local knowledge associated with the production, utilization and diversity of ricebean (Vigna umbellata) in Nepal

This document contains information on farmers’ indigenous knowledge and practices associated with the ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi, previously Phaseolus calcaratus) in potential ricebean growing areas of Nepal. Ricebean is a potentially valuable but underutilised multipurpose grain legume for farmers in the marginal hill areas of Nepal. It is a traditional crop that gives satisfactory grain yields even in marginal and adverse land, and farmers in some particular niche environments have grown it for many generations. Ricebean plays an important role in securing the food and nutritional security of farmers and their families in those areas.

Understanding farmers’ practices and the underlying indigenous knowledge regarding the crop is useful to guide conservation and promotion strategies, particularly for traditional crops. As farmers have been cultivating ricebean for many years, they have unique knowledge of it. An assessment of this is a valuable prelude to its promotion. This study was carried out to assess and analyze this knowledge and the farmers’ practices associated with the crop.

Potential districts for ricebean in Nepal were assessed in collaboration with district agricultural development offices (DADOs) and pocket areas within them identified using field visits and group discussions (GDs) with ricebean growers. From these pocket areas, the indigenous knowledge and practices associated with ricebean were assessed through direct observations and interaction with farmers.

Initially, fifteen and eighteen knowledgeable farmers were selected as key informants in Gulmi and Ramechhap. Knowledge associated with the production, utilisation and diversity of ricebean was documented through repeated interactions and interviews with the key informants.

Farmers have their own knowledge regarding ricebean and they adopt different methods to cultivate, produce and use it.  Farmers generally grow ricebean in marginal areas with low or no inputs. It is used as food, fodder and green manure. To enrich soil fertility, some farmers rotate ricebean around their pieces of lands.

It is anticipated this document on the indigenous technical knowledge associated with ricebean will be of value to researchers, extension workers and policy makers. In addition, documentation of the indigenous knowledge associated with ricebean will assist further research. Incorporation of farmers’ knowledge in scientific activities is essential for traditional crops, to enhance their status, to develop farmers’ preferred varieties, to guide dissemination activities and to highlight their value to consumers and farmers alike.