Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture in Selected Rural Areas of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore how Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) could be integrated with modern farming techniques in order to enhance sustainable agriculture in selected rural areas. The sustainable livelihoods approach and post-colonial theory were used as the theoretical framework for the study. The interpretive approach was adopted for data generation by the researchers. Data were generated using individual interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and field observations. Data were presented and analyzed using thematic approach. The study found that sustainable indigenous farming strategies including indigenous land management strategies, indigenous water conservation methods, and biodiversity management strategies could be integrated with modern farming techniques to reduce land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and lessen the impacts of climatic change in rural communities. The study recommends that farmers incorporate indigenous strategies with modern forms of farming in enhancing sustainable agriculture.