An investigation into indigenous knowledge practices on environmental conservation among the Batswana in the North West Province : the case of Taung

Abstract

The study investigated the role of Indigenous Knowledge Practices on environmental conservation among the Batswana in the North West Province, with special reference to Taung. The study found the following aspects: (i) The Taung area has a diversity of indigenous biological resources, such as lengana, ditlhekwa, tlhoka la tsela, etc. Most of the Batswana in Taung especially the elderly are of. (ii) Due to western influences, some community members were not aware of these biological resources and their uses. Some members of the community utilize these indigenous biological resources for their own survival. They depend on raw materials such as animal skin for making their own clothing, grass and wood for making their houses and for making crafts products, which earns them a living. (iii) The Batswana people have different strategies they use to conserve their biodiversity. They have over the years developed these indigenous strategies to ensure that what they depended on for survival was not lost.. The Kgosi was responsible for regulating cutting of trees and people

would have permits from the Kgosi to cut those particular trees. As part of conserving their trees as natural resources, community members were allowed to cut certain trees during specific times of the yea at a particular area and then move to the next area. This allowed trees that have been cut to grow again. This strategy was also applied for conservation of animals and insects. People were only allowed to hunt certain animals at certain times of the year. The study recommends that: (i) The government and the Non governmental sector should find mechanisms of creating awareness on the importance of conserving, protecting and the sustainable utilization of indigenous biological resources in Taung. (ii) Indigenous knowledge should be incorporated into the school system, for the sustainability of Indigenous Knowledge among generations. (iii) Community members should be actively involved in all programs pertaining to conservation and sustainable use of indigenous biological resources.