Mokgoebo, M. J.Mudau, N. V.Netshisaulu, K. N.Ramasunzi, Ntanganedzeni2026-07-172026-07-172026-05-19Ramasunzi, N. 2026. Assessing indigenous knowledge systems for management of plant communities and water resources: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality communities. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3370Master of Environmental SciencesDepartment of Geography and Environmental SciencesThis study assessed the contribution of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) to the management of natural vegetation and water resources in Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa. The research aimed to assess the then-current use of IKS in resource management, identify prevailing indigenous methods, examine challenges to their implementation, and propose integrated management strategies that aligned indigenous and scientific approaches. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 400 respondents across ten villages through interviews, questionnaires, and field observations. Findings showed that 75% of participants actively used IKS methods such as sacred forest preservation, taboos, rainwater harvesting, storytelling, and community-based conservation. Qualitative insights revealed strong cultural and ecological values attached to these practices, while quantitative data showed clear associations between IKS application and improved perceptions of environmental health. However, generational shifts indicated declining interest among youth, driven by modernization and the lack of IKS inclusion in formal education. Spatial differences also emerged, with traditional villages maintaining stronger IKS practices than more urbanized areas. The study concluded that IKS was vital for local sustainability and climate resilience. Their integration into environmental policy, education, and planning was essential. Recommendations included documentation of IKS, policy recognition, and community-based awareness initiatives to ensure their preservation and application.1 online resource (xi, 141 leaves): color illustrations, color mapenUniversity of VendaIndigenous knowledge systemsUCTDNatural vegetationWater resourcesSustainabilityEnvironmental conservationDissertationRamasunzi N. Assessing indigenous knowledge systems for management of plant communities and water resources: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality communities. []. , 2026 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Ramasunzi, N. (2026). <i>Assessing indigenous knowledge systems for management of plant communities and water resources: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality communities</i>. (). . Retrieved fromRamasunzi, Ntanganedzeni. <i>"Assessing indigenous knowledge systems for management of plant communities and water resources: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality communities."</i> ., , 2026.TY - Dissertation AU - Ramasunzi, Ntanganedzeni AB - This study assessed the contribution of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) to the management of natural vegetation and water resources in Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa. The research aimed to assess the then-current use of IKS in resource management, identify prevailing indigenous methods, examine challenges to their implementation, and propose integrated management strategies that aligned indigenous and scientific approaches. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 400 respondents across ten villages through interviews, questionnaires, and field observations. Findings showed that 75% of participants actively used IKS methods such as sacred forest preservation, taboos, rainwater harvesting, storytelling, and community-based conservation. Qualitative insights revealed strong cultural and ecological values attached to these practices, while quantitative data showed clear associations between IKS application and improved perceptions of environmental health. However, generational shifts indicated declining interest among youth, driven by modernization and the lack of IKS inclusion in formal education. Spatial differences also emerged, with traditional villages maintaining stronger IKS practices than more urbanized areas. The study concluded that IKS was vital for local sustainability and climate resilience. Their integration into environmental policy, education, and planning was essential. Recommendations included documentation of IKS, policy recognition, and community-based awareness initiatives to ensure their preservation and application. DA - 2026-05-19 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Indigenous knowledge systems KW - Natural vegetation KW - Water resources KW - Sustainability KW - Environmental conservation LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2026 T1 - Assessing indigenous knowledge systems for management of plant communities and water resources: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality communities TI - Assessing indigenous knowledge systems for management of plant communities and water resources: A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality communities UR - ER -