Using Indigenous Knowledge in Traditional Agricultural Systems for Poverty and Hunger Eradication

Abstract

This article discusses the role of indigenous knowledge in traditional agriculture
and its potential in contributing to food security, poverty and hunger eradication,
and increased employment in South Africa. It is noted that indigenous knowledge
can inform rural agricultural production, storage, processing, marketing, and food
preparation, as well as the fashioning of farm tools, selection of crop and animal
breeding stock, crop and animal health, and genetic manipulations to shorten
crop and livestock gestation periods. As a labour- intensive but cost-effective
application, indigenous knowledge proves a viable option for resource-poor farmers
in their pursuit of increased output and income. The fear that the generation
holding the quantum of indigenous knowledge is fast aging and dying out underpins the urgency of this discourse.

Africa Insight Vol. 37 (4) 2008 pp. 47-60