Hart, T., Vorster, I. & Jansen van Rensburg, W. (2009) Indigenous knowledge and African vegatables. In: National Research Directory. Johannesburg: Rainbow South Africa. 209-214.

Source :	National Research Directory
Publisher :	Johannesburg: Rainbow South Africa , 2009
Keywords :	vegetables / food security / africa / indigenous knowledge systems
Team :	Hart, Tim (Mr T.G.B.) Vorster, I. Jansen van Rensburg, W.
Department(s) :	Economic Performance and Development
Output type :	Chapter in Monograph
Intranet :	HSRC Library: shelf number 6098
Document :	Download full text
If you would like to obtain a copy of this Research Output, please contact Hanlie Rossinger at researchoutputs@hsrc.ac.za.

Abstract :
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is the unique, traditional, local knowledge existing within and developed around specific conditions of women and men indigenous to a particular geographic area. In some instances external or scientific knowledge is combined with indigenous knowledge during the innovation process. Consequently indigenous knowledge is dynamic and continually evolves and changes as it develops, influencing and being influenced by both internal and external circumstances and interaction with other knowledge systems. Given this state of affairs Indigenous knowledge is better termed as local knowledge; i.e. knowledge developed in a specific locality and knowledge that is not entirely traditional, although this might form the base, given external influences. *At present, the vast majority of sub-Saharan Africans depend on resource-poor agriculture, without modern inputs, and rely almost exclusively on locally available resources for their livelihoods. * Approximately 80% of the African population use traditional medicines to meet their health care needs. * IK can help to alleviate poverty if it is effectively applied in agriculture and supported by appropriate technology interventions that consider peoples? circumstances. Given the resource constraints experienced by research and extension officials and the distances they need to travel, many rural farmers and household producers rely heavily on their indigenous knowledge and local innovations in order to ensure some measure of food security and livelihood. Some of the plants they collect or produce using this knowledge are known as African Vegetables. IK includes many aspects e.g. pottery and sculpture, games, baskets, mats, mural decorations etc. In this chapter we will be looking at the food security value.

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