A Description of Small-Scale Farmers’ Indigenous Household Livelihood Strategies in Dikgale Communıity in Limpopo

Sejabaledi A. Rankoana ()
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Sejabaledi A. Rankoana: University of Limpopo, South Africa

Eurasian Journal of Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 10, issue 3, 197-203

Abstract: The current research examines the degree to which indigenous crop and livestock production are still practiced and relied upon as sources of household income in a rural community in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The study is motivated by observations that indigenous knowledge contributes to rural economies by ensuring household food security and generating income. A total of 61 small-scale farmers, purposely sampled were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. The study findings show that indigenous subsistence crops and livestock production continue to be the primary sources of food and income in the studied community. In subsistence crop production, maize and groundnuts are the most often produced crops in the home-gardens. The fresh fruits are consumed with surplus maize exchanged for maize meal at the local milling company. Like maize, groundnuts are consumed fresh while surplus is sold in the local market. Additionally, the farmers raise cattle as a source of revenue, with the stock being sold for cash to supplement family income. Fewer farmers keep livestock, particularly cattle as a result of scarcity of stock feed and water to raise and maintain the stock. This mode of subsistence has withstood the influence of Western knowledge systems and the adverse effects of climate change.

Keywords: Rural Community; Indigenous Knowledge; Livelihood Strategy; Small-Scale Farmers; Livelihood Outcome; Sustainable Livelihood (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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