OttoGwadoAyoker_Cultivation

Abstract

The recording at the center of this item is a narrative, in which Otto Gwado Ayoker explains how agriculture is practised among the Shilluk, in particular in relation to dura (main staple). Cultivation (agriculture) is a major activity for the Shilluk people. Almost all the Shilluk land is fertile with good rain fall. Villagers do primitive farming using very simple hand tools. They produce a small amount of dura that is sometimes less than what they need. Only a few people produce more than what they need and exchange it for cows. Shilluk cultivate three types of dura: 1. ‘Lwallì’ red dura which is cultivated near the village. It takes three months to ripen. So, people start eating it in August. The new grain, once dry, is planted in its turn, yielding a harvest in December. So, some people cultivate the red dura twice a year. In some areas, red dura and maize are now cultivated far inland because the children who would look after the cows go to schools. 2. ‘Thurø’ brown dura is cultivated in the forest. It is harvested in October. 3. ‘Ágono’ yellow dura is cultivated far from the village. It ripens very late in December. Usually people start planting lwalli and then go to plant thuro or agono.