Assessing the Impact of Indigenous
Knowledge Systems on Sustainable
Agriculture: A Case Study of the Selected
Communities in the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan, Gauteng Province,
South Africa
9
Jeanette Seko, Eddie Bain, and Phokele Maponya
Abstract
Indigenous farming methods as a part of the indigenous knowledge system (IKS)
are complex, environmentally friendly, sustainable, cost-effective, culture-specific and play a vital role in the cultivation of vegetables and livestock among
indigenous communities. The use of IKS has been beneficial to those practising
indigenous farming methods; however, its benefits are highly dependent on the
agricultural models that are utilised. There is an association between the implementation of IKS in agriculture and the natural form of the products produced.
The link of the two concepts of the method of farming and the form of products
enables the increase of food production, with a positive impact on food security in
communities. The focus of this study was to assess the impact that the usage of
IKS has on sustainable agriculture and to establish how this impact also affects
food security in the selected communities of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan.
The study was conducted in the geographical area of the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan, but in different localised geographical areas. The objectives of
the study are: (1) To describe and identify challenges and issues faced in
sustainable agriculture in selected rural communities in the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan; (2) To identify best practices in using IKS ensuring food security
through sustainable agriculture in selected rural communities in the City of
Tshwane Metropolitan; and (3) To identify ways in which indigenous knowledge
and its practices and innovations might enhance livelihoods in a manner that is
J. Seko · E. Bain
Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
P. Maponya (*)
Agricultural Research Council – Vegetables and Ornamental Plants, Pretoria, South Africa
e-mail: maponyap@arc.agric.za
# Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
V. Venkatramanan et al. (eds.), Sustainable Bioeconomy,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7321-7_9
183
Knowledge Systems on Sustainable
Agriculture: A Case Study of the Selected
Communities in the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan, Gauteng Province,
South Africa
9
Jeanette Seko, Eddie Bain, and Phokele Maponya
Abstract
Indigenous farming methods as a part of the indigenous knowledge system (IKS)
are complex, environmentally friendly, sustainable, cost-effective, culture-specific and play a vital role in the cultivation of vegetables and livestock among
indigenous communities. The use of IKS has been beneficial to those practising
indigenous farming methods; however, its benefits are highly dependent on the
agricultural models that are utilised. There is an association between the implementation of IKS in agriculture and the natural form of the products produced.
The link of the two concepts of the method of farming and the form of products
enables the increase of food production, with a positive impact on food security in
communities. The focus of this study was to assess the impact that the usage of
IKS has on sustainable agriculture and to establish how this impact also affects
food security in the selected communities of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan.
The study was conducted in the geographical area of the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan, but in different localised geographical areas. The objectives of
the study are: (1) To describe and identify challenges and issues faced in
sustainable agriculture in selected rural communities in the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan; (2) To identify best practices in using IKS ensuring food security
through sustainable agriculture in selected rural communities in the City of
Tshwane Metropolitan; and (3) To identify ways in which indigenous knowledge
and its practices and innovations might enhance livelihoods in a manner that is
J. Seko · E. Bain
Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
P. Maponya (*)
Agricultural Research Council – Vegetables and Ornamental Plants, Pretoria, South Africa
e-mail: maponyap@arc.agric.za
# Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
V. Venkatramanan et al. (eds.), Sustainable Bioeconomy,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7321-7_9
183