Disappearance of African Indigenous Knowledge of Water Conservation and Management in Limpopo Province of South Africa: An IKS Perspective.

The aim of this paper was to explore the factors leading to the disappearance of African indigenous knowledge of water conservation and management in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Throughout time, indigenous people developed methods of conserving and managing water to ensure that there is water availability. Although indigenous knowledge enabled communities to conserve and manage water for years, it faces challenges of disappearance in the modern society. Currently, little knowledge exists about African indigenous knowledge of water conservation and management. This study was grounded in the Sankofa paradigm. An exploratory qualitative research design was adopted. Data were collected, using one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The target participants were sampled, using non-probability sampling and purposive sampling. The study found that the factors contributing to the disappearance of African indigenous knowledge of water conservation and management include: lack of systematic documentation; colonisation; a dominance of the Christian religion; and families' loss of traditions and history. The paper recommended a systematic documentation of indigenous knowledge and acknowledgement and implementation of the African indigenous knowledge methods of water conservation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]