Barriers Impeding the Contribution of Indigenous Knowledge to Rural Development in Mabheleni, South Africa

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is increasingly recognised as a critical resource in rural development practice in many African countries, South Africa included. However, the use and contribution of indigenous knowledge in the development of rural communities in South Africa is inhibited by numerous factors. Drawing from the lens of deliberative democracy, this article reports on a study that explored the barriers impeding the contribution of indigenous knowledge towards rural development in Mabheleni. This deep rural and underdeveloped community falls under the Umzumbe Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study used a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants and one focus group discussion with 10 participants in Mabheleni. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study findings indicated that lack of recognition of indigenous knowledge itself in development practice, the use of a top-down approach by government officials, and barriers to community participation impede the potential contribution of indigenous knowledge to rural development. Therefore, the study recommends a bottom-up approach to rural development practice.