In Vanuatu, smallholder farmers in local communities maintain strong relationship ties to their local environment through the use of traditional knowledge, including a traditional calendar, to grow their crops. Farmers’ traditional knowledge supports the annual cultivation of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) which in turn supports achieving local food security. Sweetpotato is a resilient crop cultivated within the traditional Vanuatu food systems and promoted through traditional knowledge. A research activity was recently undertaken in Tanna Island, a society with a stronghold of traditions and cultural activities. The study used a qualitative case study research design, incorporating an indigenous method (Storian) and semi-structured interviews to collect data. Primarily, traditional knowledge was shared regarding farmers' perspectives on its use in cultivating sweetpotato. The project highlighted use of the traditional calendar and exemplified the intricate and intimate relationship that exists between people and land. Traditional knowledge enabled farmers to continue to grow sweetpotato integrated into existing food systems alongside other traditional crops. Farmers highlighted using environmental indicators in their decision-making. These indicators are variously linked to the growing of other traditional root crops.

Key words: Storian; traditional knowledge; traditional calendar; sweetpotato; food security