Turning the herding lifestyle into a learning opportunity: Experiences from Lesotho

Selloane Pitikoe

doi:10.4102/td.v14i1.521

Abstract

This article addresses the complex ways through which Basotho herders acquired indigenous knowledge (IK) through their herding practice. For centuries, Basotho males have practiced livestock herding as an alternative form of employment while also perceiving it as a quicker way of accruing personal livestock wealth. This socio-economic discourse has further rendered male Basotho at a disadvantage in terms of education access because of the semi-nomadic nature of herding and the inaccessibility of the herding topography. The article draws on data collected using semi-structured interviews, as well as the photovoice and the transect walk techniques, conducted with a group of 30 male Basotho herders aged between 18 and 45 years, representative of the highlands, foothills and the lowlands of Lesotho. This article aims to address two research objectives. Firstly, it interrogates how Basotho herders learn through herding. Secondly, it explores how the empirical findings harvested from this article can inform Lesotho’s non-formal education policy and practice reform. It was discovered that herding comprises a wealth of undocumented IK, which comes in two forms: local science and local practice knowledge. Finally, the article suggests ways that Lesotho’s mainstream education may consider reforming the current education policy and practice. It is anticipated that this article will significantly contribute to the IK scholarship elsewhere in the world on issues pertaining to livestock herding and herders’ access to education.

Highlights

Introduction and backgroundThis article addresses the complex ways through which Basotho herders acquire indigenous knowledge (IK) through their herding practice
The findings revealed that herding was resourceful in facilitating herders’ acquisition of IK
While Nyiraruhimbi (2012) categorises IK into three groups – local science, local memory and local practice – this article will only concentrate on local science and local practice knowledge because they seemed to be common among the herders

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and backgroundThis article addresses the complex ways through which Basotho herders acquire indigenous knowledge (IK) through their herding practice. While in the past, herding was a binding practice for all Basotho males, of lately the popularity of herding is seen and felt in the rural areas of Lesotho while the urban-based males enrol in formal education programmes (Pitikoe 2017). This is because animal husbandry forms the main livelihood source for rural communities as opposed to the formal labour market opportunities that the urban-based citizenry has. For Basotho males, livestock herding satisfies both the social and economic needs. Some males join the herding fraternity as an alternative employment where the proceeds become a resource for poverty alleviation

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion