The role of local knowledge in agriculture: The case of small-scale farmers in South Africa.
Magedi, Jonas
Magedi, Jonas
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Abstract
This study explores the role of local knowledge in agriculture with reference to the case of small-scale farming in South Africa, specifically with regard to its role in enriching agricultural productivity and sustainability in localities. Small-scale farming has enhanced the agricultural value chain in South Africa, particularly in localities which are characterized by food insecurity, job uncertainty and environmental sustainability. Agricultural development and the capacitation of small-scale farmers are not only often overlooked by policy makers at national and local government levels, but also tend to be under-researched. For many years, African farmers have participated in agriculture and protected biodiversity with local knowledge. Local knowledge has been a key instrument of survival for humanity since time immemorial and there is a relationship between local knowledge and sustainable farming. This relationship and its ensuing advantages need to be highlighted for researchers and communities and further explored within the context of Local Systems of Innovation (LSI) in order to have local knowledge utilized fully and effectively.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Magister Technologiae in Comparative Local Development
In the Faculty of Economics and Finance, Institute for Economic Research on Innovation (IERI)
Tshwane University of Technology
Date
2019-01-01
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Local knowledge, Agriculture, South Africa, Small-scale farming, Local systems of innovation