Integrating Indigenous Technical Knowledge into Digital Farming Systems of Bangladesh

Abstract

Agriculture today faces the dual challenge of increasing food production for a  growing global population while protecting the environment. The country’s  rich indigenous traditions encompass ecologically balanced practices such as  organic fertilization, crop rotation, pest management using natural repellents,  and adaptive techniques like floating gardens in flood-prone regions. However,  the increasing dominance of Western-oriented digital and mechanized farming  models has often marginalized these context-specific systems of knowledge.  Through an extensive review of literature, case studies, and policy documents,  this study highlights how blending ITK with digital innovations—such as  mobile-based advisory services, artificial intelligence (AI) pest detection, smart  irrigation systems, and GIS-based soil mapping—can enhance productivity while  safeguarding biodiversity and cultural heritage. The analysis underscores that ITK  provides a foundation for ecological sustainability, while digital tools strengthen  precision, documentation and scalability. Nevertheless, challenges including  digital illiteracy, poor rural connectivity and inadequate institutional support  continue to constrain effective integration. The study emphasizes the need for  inclusive and participatory frameworks that recognize cognitive justice and  ensure community ownership of indigenous knowledge. Key recommendations  include establishing decentralized ITK documentation centres, developing  multilingual digital platforms and creating participatory extension models that  bridge the gap between traditional and scientific knowledge systems. Integrating  ITK and digital farming is not merely a technological advancement but a pathway  to achieving food security, environmental sustainability and cultural preservation  in Bangladesh’s agricultural transformation journey.