Role of indigenous knowledge systems on cattle production in water-stressed resource-limited households in Musina Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The world today is being challenged to consider utlising Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) for livelihoods, animal production and the environment care. The application of IKS in cattle production and water conservation thereto is of great importance in this modern time. Since even at this stage, IKS remains one most important method that cattle farmers can use because it is cheaper and easy to apply. The study was designed to determine the role of IKS on cattle production under water-scarce conditions; the importance of IKS in cattle selection and assess the importance of applying IKS on cattle production in rural development. A qualitative design was employed and the respondents were selected using purposive sampling procedure. Data were collected using open-ended type of questionnaire and face- to-face interviews. Qualitative data were analysed using the Atlas ti version 8 software. Cattle were selected using purposive sampling method. Data on IKS, cow production and water security was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire and participant observations. Challenges to cattle production under water-scarce conditions included increased prevalence of diseases and parasites, dehydration, lack of resources to sustain cattle, unavailability of fodder, and limited access to water. Farmers use IKS to deal with gastro-intestinal parasites, treatment of wounds, maintenance of health, parasites detection, prevention of dystocia and loss of body weight. In selecting cattle, farmers preferred large-framed bulls and cows with short horns and brown coat colour. IKS remain vital in advancing cattle farming in most of the rural households. It is highly recommended that farmers should document the IKS for future reference and also to teach up and coming farmers about the IKS in order for them to continue the legacy. Also, water conservation to IKS should be promoted amongst the farmers to sustain water that cattle can use.