• Login
    View Item 
    •   NWU-IR Home
    • North-West University Journals
    • Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies
    • Jàmbá: 2017 Volume 9 No 1
    • View Item
    •   NWU-IR Home
    • North-West University Journals
    • Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies
    • Jàmbá: 2017 Volume 9 No 1
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    The role of indigenous knowledge in drought risk reduction: a case of communal farmers in South Africa

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    17_Muyambo.pdf (2.581Mb)
    Date
    2017
    Author
    Muyambo, Fummi
    Bahta, Yonas T.
    Jordaan, Andries J.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    Even though the significance of indigenous knowledge in agriculture is internationally recognised, the role thereof in disaster risk reduction in South Africa is not well documented. This article determined the influence of indigenous knowledge in drought risk reduction in O.R. Tambo district of the Eastern Cape province (South Africa). Primary data were collected from 87 communal farmers through purposive sampling using a structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were also held with the target group (farmers and extension officers) to gain more information and clarification on indigenous knowledge. The finding indicated that the majority of respondents (64.4%) relied on indigenous knowledge in their farming practice and drought risk reduction. Two-thirds (66.7%) of the respondents revealed that indigenous knowledge contributed to the resilience of farmers towards drought. The respondents unanimously agreed that indigenous knowledge is losing its significance in farming and drought risk reduction, because the younger generation did not value it anymore. Lack of documentation and deterioration of its application by the younger generation were found to be the main challenge for most respondents. The study concluded that indigenous knowledge was still an integral part of agricultural practices, applied drought risk reduction strategies and contributed to resilience against disasters. Based on the findings, the study recommends that indigenous knowledge be compiled, documented and published so that all farmers can learn of effective farming practices, passed on from generation to generation. Community holders of such information are encouraged to make younger generations aware of the benefits of indigenous knowledge to promote its usage.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10394/30788
    Collections
    • Jàmbá: 2017 Volume 9 No 1 [27]

    Copyright © North-West University
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    Atmire NV
     

     

    Browse

    All of NWU-IR Communities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsAdvisor/SupervisorThesis TypeThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsAdvisor/SupervisorThesis Type

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Copyright © North-West University
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    Atmire NV