9.10 Conclusion
The first objective of the study was to conceptualise IKS in the identified
communities of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan. The study aimed at establishing
and exploring IKS and theories that relate to the application and awareness of this
knowledge system. The study explored the contextual setting of IKS and sustainable
agriculture, the use of learning components in IKS and sustainable agriculture, and
interrelationship between sustainable agriculture and food security. Indigenous
knowledge systems are dynamic and are continually influenced by internal creativity
and experimentation as well as by contact with external systems. IK is the knowledge base for a society, which facilitates communication and decision-making. IKS
encourages small-scale farmers, start-ups, and households garden to contribute to
food security as it reduces the complexity of agriculture in the communities.
However, the labour intensity of using IKS cannot be disregarded.
The concept and practice of sustainable agriculture have led to the need to find
alternative methods to efficiently use the agricultural resources. One of the alternative methods is the application of IKS in farming practices or the combination of
both modern farming practices and indigenous farming practices. Further, it was
evident from the study that sustainable agriculture and meeting the food
requirements of the community are also inclusive of the management of land.
Sustainable land management involves the inclusion of not only the western knowledge system but also the integration of all knowledge systems and agricultural
practices that are available in the community. Sustainable farming practices also
enable to combat food shortages and ensure food security.
The study also focussed on identifying the benefits and challenges that
communities’ experience in practising sustainable agriculture. Due to the location
(rural area of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan), out of the fourteen farms visited,
thirteen of them faced the challenge of water shortage which negatively impacted the
crop yield. Since the usage of IKS and sustainable agriculture requires time and
patience, its application to achieve food security is not always immediate and it takes
time for the results and benefits to be realised. However, adoption of IKS has benefits
in terms of achieving sustainable development, financial benefits, employment
opportunities, and food security.
The study also identified best practices in the utilisation of IKS to ensure food
security through sustainable agriculture. The study also illustrated that indigenous
knowledge contributed to the three most important factors in food security: availability, access, and utilisation. The adoption of IKS methods reduced the cost
associated with buying pest management products and high-tech machines. Food
security was ensured through the availability of produce in the local market at an
affordable price, creating functional households gardens, the creation of employment opportunities, and ensuring that communities access nutritious food that
encourages healthy leaving.
Indigenous knowledge systems are important for the development of both primary and secondary agriculture in South Africa, enhancing grassroots innovation for
food security and improving the quality of life. It was evident from this study that
206
J. Seko et al.
The first objective of the study was to conceptualise IKS in the identified
communities of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan. The study aimed at establishing
and exploring IKS and theories that relate to the application and awareness of this
knowledge system. The study explored the contextual setting of IKS and sustainable
agriculture, the use of learning components in IKS and sustainable agriculture, and
interrelationship between sustainable agriculture and food security. Indigenous
knowledge systems are dynamic and are continually influenced by internal creativity
and experimentation as well as by contact with external systems. IK is the knowledge base for a society, which facilitates communication and decision-making. IKS
encourages small-scale farmers, start-ups, and households garden to contribute to
food security as it reduces the complexity of agriculture in the communities.
However, the labour intensity of using IKS cannot be disregarded.
The concept and practice of sustainable agriculture have led to the need to find
alternative methods to efficiently use the agricultural resources. One of the alternative methods is the application of IKS in farming practices or the combination of
both modern farming practices and indigenous farming practices. Further, it was
evident from the study that sustainable agriculture and meeting the food
requirements of the community are also inclusive of the management of land.
Sustainable land management involves the inclusion of not only the western knowledge system but also the integration of all knowledge systems and agricultural
practices that are available in the community. Sustainable farming practices also
enable to combat food shortages and ensure food security.
The study also focussed on identifying the benefits and challenges that
communities’ experience in practising sustainable agriculture. Due to the location
(rural area of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan), out of the fourteen farms visited,
thirteen of them faced the challenge of water shortage which negatively impacted the
crop yield. Since the usage of IKS and sustainable agriculture requires time and
patience, its application to achieve food security is not always immediate and it takes
time for the results and benefits to be realised. However, adoption of IKS has benefits
in terms of achieving sustainable development, financial benefits, employment
opportunities, and food security.
The study also identified best practices in the utilisation of IKS to ensure food
security through sustainable agriculture. The study also illustrated that indigenous
knowledge contributed to the three most important factors in food security: availability, access, and utilisation. The adoption of IKS methods reduced the cost
associated with buying pest management products and high-tech machines. Food
security was ensured through the availability of produce in the local market at an
affordable price, creating functional households gardens, the creation of employment opportunities, and ensuring that communities access nutritious food that
encourages healthy leaving.
Indigenous knowledge systems are important for the development of both primary and secondary agriculture in South Africa, enhancing grassroots innovation for
food security and improving the quality of life. It was evident from this study that
206
J. Seko et al.