The role of indigenous knowledge in rural development strategies, a case of Mokgalwaneng Village North-West Province

Abstract

The research investigated the role of IKS in Rural Development at Mokgalwaneng Village of Moses Kotane Municipality in the North-West Province of South Africa. It is generally agreed that rural development is about improving living standards and conditions of the low income residents in rural villages and contributing to sustainable development. The study was configured as a case study in a participatory research framework. The study found that communities have been deprived of information about their role in development processes. There is a strong need for awareness of the role of the communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in ensuring sustainable development. The study calls for the creation of participation research, acknowledgement of local knowledge and resilient systems that combat poverty, and create opportunities for cooperatives in rural business. This will enable locals to contribute to their own development plans. The study suggests that different stakeholders, especially development agencies should be informed about IKS; this can be done through workshops, mass media etc., in this way they can be actively involved in its implementation. The incorporation of IKS in development initiatives will improve the level of community participation. Locals will have a sense of ownership of their own development, when their local knowledge is recognised as a significant component of development. The study recommends that a Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CROP) should be an integrated component of the existing integrated development plan (IDP). This is to ensure that coordination and recognition of prior knowledge including ways of knowing that local communities have tested are part of policy and implementing agencies.