Use of traditional indigenous knowledge management and modern agricultural technology as viable resources in combating poverty in KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

Indigenous farming methods are complex, environmentally friendly, sustainable, costeffective, culture-specific and play a vital role in the cultivation of indigenous crops and livestock rearing among indigenous communities. It has been argued that some aspects of African traditional agricultural systems can play a key role in alleviating poverty and food security. The objective of this study was to determine the use of traditional indigenous knowledge management and modern agricultural technology as viable resources in combating poverty in KwaZulu-Natal. This was a mixed method study conducted in two villages, Mgedula and Ndumo, in uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa. Five focus group discussions, six key informant interviews, and 66 questionnaires were carried out to determine the farmers’ knowledge and attitudes on indigenous farming methods and modern scientific based methods. The study showed that the communities were aware of the importance of both indigenous and scientific-based methods and the methods were practiced in different situations and in some cases the methods were mixed in varying degrees. Availability of water and financial capacity appeared to be the major determinants for the choice of method. The Mgedula village which is generally drier had more communal gardens and field crops than those from Ndumo and the farmers there were more likely to use traditional farming methods. In contrast, the people in Ndumo cultivated their field crops in the Pongolo plain whose moisture regime lasted longer, and occasionally used dieselpowered irrigation pumps. The main activities include fishing, gardening, and field crops. The Ndumo B irrigation scheme contrasts sharply with the surrounding farming activities. It is an all-year green belt run using modern farming methods and business approach with access to extension workers and finance. Farmers from both villages lamented the loss of indigenous knowledge management in the younger generation who seemed not keen and suggested that the school curriculum should revisit this area. These modern and indigenous schemes can learn from each other. It is important to define areas where either has limitations or benefits.