method. However, the quantitative research method was needed in order to give a
broader understanding of the community and the decision to utilise IKS in sustainable agriculture. It was these two views that informed the choice to use a mixedmethod research approach. A mixed-method research approach is regarded as a third
major research approach or research paradigm, along with qualitative and quantitative research (Johnson et al. 2007). In the article “Toward a Definition of Mixed
Methods Research” Johnson et al. (2007) define mixed-method research as the class
of research where the researcher mixes or combines quantitative and qualitative
research techniques, methods, approaches, concepts, or language into a single study
or set of related studies. The utilisation of the mixed method guaranteed a more real
reflection and application of the considered variables in practice.
The study focused on exploring and highlighting IKS and sustainable development within the context of sustainable agriculture. The research procedure selected
for this study incorporated a literature review and an empirical study that employed
semi-structured interviews and observations in selected communities of the City of
Tshwane Metropolitan in the Gauteng Province. The observation method enabled
the gathering of data from the communities that led to a comparison of the IKS used
and the determination of the best practice in those systems. Further, literature review
was undertaken to establish the depth of completed research and to collate the
research findings on the topic. The literature was utilised as a method to establish
a relationship between IKS and sustainable development focusing on sustainable
agriculture.
9.3.2 Research Setting
The research was conducted in the geographical area of the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan in the communities of Bronkhorstspruit, Centurion, Cullinan,
Winterveld, Soshanguve, and Hammanskraal in the Gauteng Province. The
communities of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan have been selected as those
who utilise indigenous knowledge within their agricultural practices. The research
undertook to understand the impact of IKS on sustainable agriculture in these
communities. The research enabled the establishment of similarities and differences
in the manner in which indigenous knowledge within sustainable agriculture is
exploited. The impact of indigenous knowledge and how the participants benefited
from applying it were analysed, and its importance and benefit to the community
were highlighted.
9.3.3 Sampling
“You cannot study everyone, everywhere doing everything” (Punch 2003).
Although the study was being limited to the mentioned communities in one municipality in the Gauteng Province, it would have been challenging and arduous for all
the people within the community to be contacted and interviewed. Therefore, a
9 Assessing the Impact of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Sustainable. . .
189
broader understanding of the community and the decision to utilise IKS in sustainable agriculture. It was these two views that informed the choice to use a mixedmethod research approach. A mixed-method research approach is regarded as a third
major research approach or research paradigm, along with qualitative and quantitative research (Johnson et al. 2007). In the article “Toward a Definition of Mixed
Methods Research” Johnson et al. (2007) define mixed-method research as the class
of research where the researcher mixes or combines quantitative and qualitative
research techniques, methods, approaches, concepts, or language into a single study
or set of related studies. The utilisation of the mixed method guaranteed a more real
reflection and application of the considered variables in practice.
The study focused on exploring and highlighting IKS and sustainable development within the context of sustainable agriculture. The research procedure selected
for this study incorporated a literature review and an empirical study that employed
semi-structured interviews and observations in selected communities of the City of
Tshwane Metropolitan in the Gauteng Province. The observation method enabled
the gathering of data from the communities that led to a comparison of the IKS used
and the determination of the best practice in those systems. Further, literature review
was undertaken to establish the depth of completed research and to collate the
research findings on the topic. The literature was utilised as a method to establish
a relationship between IKS and sustainable development focusing on sustainable
agriculture.
9.3.2 Research Setting
The research was conducted in the geographical area of the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan in the communities of Bronkhorstspruit, Centurion, Cullinan,
Winterveld, Soshanguve, and Hammanskraal in the Gauteng Province. The
communities of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan have been selected as those
who utilise indigenous knowledge within their agricultural practices. The research
undertook to understand the impact of IKS on sustainable agriculture in these
communities. The research enabled the establishment of similarities and differences
in the manner in which indigenous knowledge within sustainable agriculture is
exploited. The impact of indigenous knowledge and how the participants benefited
from applying it were analysed, and its importance and benefit to the community
were highlighted.
9.3.3 Sampling
“You cannot study everyone, everywhere doing everything” (Punch 2003).
Although the study was being limited to the mentioned communities in one municipality in the Gauteng Province, it would have been challenging and arduous for all
the people within the community to be contacted and interviewed. Therefore, a
9 Assessing the Impact of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Sustainable. . .
189