Developing an Original Framework for Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Formal Crop Science in the Improvement of Neglected Crops of the Middle Belt

Neglected and underutilised crops of Nigeria's Middle Belt, including Kersting's groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum), velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), and fonio (Digitaria exilis), are maintained by farmer communities through traditional knowledge systems whose integration with formal crop improvement approaches could accelerate genetic gains and variety adoption. This study developed an original framework for integrating traditional farmer knowledge with formal crop science approaches in the improvement of neglected crops in the Middle Belt region. A theory-building methodology combining ethnobotanical survey, participatory plant breeding methodology research, and knowledge integration theory was employed. Ethnobotanical surveys with 120 farming households in Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States documented traditional diversity management, selection criteria, storage practices, and cultural use dimensions of the three focal crops. Structured consultations with 18 crop scientists, ethnobotanists, and participatory breeding specialists examined knowledge integration barriers and opportunities. Methodological testing of three knowledge integration protocols (farmer participatory selection, cross-validation of traditional variety performance claims, and traditional soil management knowledge integration into formal variety trials) was conducted across 12 farmer demonstration sites. The original Traditional-Formal Knowledge Integration Framework (TFKIF) proposes five integration principles: co-design of selection criteria, bidirectional knowledge validation, community intellectual property protection, adaptive management cycles, and cultural significance-yield balance optimisation. Expert review by 20 ethnobotanists and crop scientists confirmed the framework's original theoretical contribution to participatory plant breeding science.

Keywords: traditional knowledge integration, neglected crops, participatory plant breeding, Middle Belt Nigeria, ethnobotany