farming was one of the explicitly mentioned institutions which focused on encouraging and supporting natural farming practices; these farming practices involve
working in conjunction with nature and optimising its positive aspects to create a
better production. The Agriculture Research Council (ARC) was also mentioned in
their contribution to the harvesting and testing of indigenous plants and distribution
of the seeds from these plants to the farmer.
The existence of IKS is also seen as having a relation to an association with
sustainable agriculture. Gold (2007) defines sustainable agriculture as “an integrated
system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application
that will, over the long term, achieve the following requirements: satisfy human food
and fibre needs, enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon
which the agricultural economy depends on. Its social impact on the communities
that engage in this practice is visible as it sustains the economic viability of farm
operations and enhances the quality of life for farmers and society”. For participants
to acquire this knowledge, it is beneficial that they apply it in practice and learn from
its application. The length of experience in the practice of IKS also contributes to
sustainable agriculture. Although not all participants utilised IKS exclusively, sustainable farming is still a focus of importance to them as conservation of the
environment is important for their livelihood and the sustainability of their agricultural businesses.
During the data collection sessions, it became evident that there is an association
between the application of IKS with natural farming methods. When discussing the
concept of IKS and sustainable agriculture, the majority of the participants referred
to natural and organic farming which encourage the reduction of or no usage of
chemicals on their crops and livestock. The practices used for sustainable agriculture
included how planting is done, the selection of crops that are planted and when they
are planted. Planting different crops on the land by rotation ensures that the soil is
healthy and kept in good form and it is still usable in the future. Another example
given for sustainable agriculture is resting the soil by not farming for a certain period
which allows the soil to heal and gain its nutrients back. During the study, the
practice of mulching was also noticed; this practice entails the covering of the soil to
protect it from damage. The covering can be done by different natural products
which include compost, grass cuttings, straw, leaves, peanut shells, used coffee
grounds as well as grounded eggshells. These examples and usage of traditional
methods ensure that the soil is protected and provide favourable soil environment for
crop production.
9.5.2 Challenges of the IKS on Agricultural Practices
• Sharing knowledge for the continuation of IKS practices
The respondents stated that it is difficult to share the knowledge, especially with
youth; this phenomenon is mostly prevalent in rural areas where farming is the
main source of income and the land is available for agricultural activities. The
participants indicated that it is better to share information more practically and
9 Assessing the Impact of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Sustainable. . .
197
working in conjunction with nature and optimising its positive aspects to create a
better production. The Agriculture Research Council (ARC) was also mentioned in
their contribution to the harvesting and testing of indigenous plants and distribution
of the seeds from these plants to the farmer.
The existence of IKS is also seen as having a relation to an association with
sustainable agriculture. Gold (2007) defines sustainable agriculture as “an integrated
system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application
that will, over the long term, achieve the following requirements: satisfy human food
and fibre needs, enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon
which the agricultural economy depends on. Its social impact on the communities
that engage in this practice is visible as it sustains the economic viability of farm
operations and enhances the quality of life for farmers and society”. For participants
to acquire this knowledge, it is beneficial that they apply it in practice and learn from
its application. The length of experience in the practice of IKS also contributes to
sustainable agriculture. Although not all participants utilised IKS exclusively, sustainable farming is still a focus of importance to them as conservation of the
environment is important for their livelihood and the sustainability of their agricultural businesses.
During the data collection sessions, it became evident that there is an association
between the application of IKS with natural farming methods. When discussing the
concept of IKS and sustainable agriculture, the majority of the participants referred
to natural and organic farming which encourage the reduction of or no usage of
chemicals on their crops and livestock. The practices used for sustainable agriculture
included how planting is done, the selection of crops that are planted and when they
are planted. Planting different crops on the land by rotation ensures that the soil is
healthy and kept in good form and it is still usable in the future. Another example
given for sustainable agriculture is resting the soil by not farming for a certain period
which allows the soil to heal and gain its nutrients back. During the study, the
practice of mulching was also noticed; this practice entails the covering of the soil to
protect it from damage. The covering can be done by different natural products
which include compost, grass cuttings, straw, leaves, peanut shells, used coffee
grounds as well as grounded eggshells. These examples and usage of traditional
methods ensure that the soil is protected and provide favourable soil environment for
crop production.
9.5.2 Challenges of the IKS on Agricultural Practices
• Sharing knowledge for the continuation of IKS practices
The respondents stated that it is difficult to share the knowledge, especially with
youth; this phenomenon is mostly prevalent in rural areas where farming is the
main source of income and the land is available for agricultural activities. The
participants indicated that it is better to share information more practically and
9 Assessing the Impact of Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Sustainable. . .
197