sample was used. Sampling is a technique employed to select a small group with a
view to determining the characteristics of a large group (Brynard and Hanekom
2006). The method of sampling that was applied was one that focused on community
members that constantly use IKS to sustain themselves and use it in sustainable
agriculture. The sampling for the research was based on a list of agricultural
practitioners provided by the Agriculture Research Council-Vegetables and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP) and from informal interviews with participants of
Agrifest, the conference at the Mexico Embassy, and the session at the Agri-Skills
institution.
Punch (2003) identified a number of non-probability sampling techniques, and in
this study, the researchers used the combination of two non-probability sampling
methods namely; convenience sampling and purposive sampling. Wysocki (2008)
defines the two sampling techniques as follows:
• Convenience sampling is the use of subjects who are available, but not necessarily representative of a population and
• Purposive sampling is a method in which each element is selected by the
researcher for a specific purpose.
These methods were selected to enable the collection of data from the abovementioned communities engaging in the use of IKS in sustainable agriculture, so as
to be more focused on and specific to the field. With the assistance of the particulars
entered into the database provided by the Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable
and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP), the possible participants were contacted telephonically, and the purpose of the study and method of data collection were
explained. It was during this time that permission and availability of the participants
were requested and once granted, appointments were organised based on the availability of the participants. The focus and choice of the participants were based on the
work that they have done in the field of indigenous knowledge and their understanding and practice of sustainable agricultural methods.
9.4
Data Collection
Data collection was conducted by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews
which were conducted at 14 farms in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan with farmers
and IKS practitioners in the selected communities. Babbie and Mouton (2001)
highlight and emphasise the following general rules for face-to-face interviews,
which were considered at the time when the interviews were conducted. These
rules cover the following aspects and were followed by the researcher:
• characteristics of the interviewer (language, age, ethnicity);
• familiarity with questions (know the field that is being researched);
• recording responses exactly (do not make own assumptions/interpretations about
the answers rendered), and
190
J. Seko et al.
view to determining the characteristics of a large group (Brynard and Hanekom
2006). The method of sampling that was applied was one that focused on community
members that constantly use IKS to sustain themselves and use it in sustainable
agriculture. The sampling for the research was based on a list of agricultural
practitioners provided by the Agriculture Research Council-Vegetables and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP) and from informal interviews with participants of
Agrifest, the conference at the Mexico Embassy, and the session at the Agri-Skills
institution.
Punch (2003) identified a number of non-probability sampling techniques, and in
this study, the researchers used the combination of two non-probability sampling
methods namely; convenience sampling and purposive sampling. Wysocki (2008)
defines the two sampling techniques as follows:
• Convenience sampling is the use of subjects who are available, but not necessarily representative of a population and
• Purposive sampling is a method in which each element is selected by the
researcher for a specific purpose.
These methods were selected to enable the collection of data from the abovementioned communities engaging in the use of IKS in sustainable agriculture, so as
to be more focused on and specific to the field. With the assistance of the particulars
entered into the database provided by the Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable
and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP), the possible participants were contacted telephonically, and the purpose of the study and method of data collection were
explained. It was during this time that permission and availability of the participants
were requested and once granted, appointments were organised based on the availability of the participants. The focus and choice of the participants were based on the
work that they have done in the field of indigenous knowledge and their understanding and practice of sustainable agricultural methods.
9.4
Data Collection
Data collection was conducted by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews
which were conducted at 14 farms in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan with farmers
and IKS practitioners in the selected communities. Babbie and Mouton (2001)
highlight and emphasise the following general rules for face-to-face interviews,
which were considered at the time when the interviews were conducted. These
rules cover the following aspects and were followed by the researcher:
• characteristics of the interviewer (language, age, ethnicity);
• familiarity with questions (know the field that is being researched);
• recording responses exactly (do not make own assumptions/interpretations about
the answers rendered), and
190
J. Seko et al.