The role of indigenous foods and indigenous knowledge systems for rural households’ food security in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract

Despite the fact that South Africa is considered a food secure country, many rural households are facing food insecurity. This is regardless of the potential contribution of indigenous foods and knowledge to food security. However, there are few studies in South Africa that empirically estimate the linkages between household food security and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). Rural households were purposively selected from seven villages of Sekhukhune District and used to document how these rural households use IKS to help ensure food security. Focus group discussions and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to collect data from participants. Additionally, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) tools such as seasonal calendars and direct observations were used to collect data. The results were analysed using thematic content analysis. Participants indicated that they have indigenous knowledge that they use to help ensure household food security. They were able to identify edible indigenous food from their natural environment; they could also cultivate indigenous food that contributed to food availability at household level; they could use various indigenous methods to process and preserve food; and used various indigenous coping strategies in times of food shortages. Therefore, indigenous foods and IKS play a significant role in contributing towards household food security in these rural communities. The use of indigenous foods and IKS should be promoted to deal with food insecurity in rural communities. Since indigenous knowledge might eventually disappear, it is highly recommended that IKS is documented and integrated with modern knowledge so that the two complement each other in contributing to household food and nutrition security.