Assessing and documenting the use of indigenous knowledge systems weather and seasonal climate forecasting : a case study of Moletjie Villages Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess and document the use of the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) in weather and seasonal climate forecasting in Moletjie, Limpopo Province. The objectives of this study were to document the biological, meteorological, and astrological indicators used to forecast local weather and climate conditions. In addition, the study sought to determine the effectiveness of indicators used in forecasting local weather and climate conditions and to represent the spatial distribution of indigenous weather knowledge using a Participatory Geographic Information System (P-GIS). Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Surveys and in-depth interviews were used to obtain primary data. The secondary data collected from formally published material (books and journals), served to compliment the primary data. Purposive sampling was used to obtain data from participants with knowledge about Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in seasonal and weather forecasting. From the study, the distribution of indigenous indicators used by Moletjie smallholder farmers was mapped using ArcGIS 10.6. Results show different types of human, biological, meteorological, and astronomical indicators utilized by communities to forecast weather and climate as such they were captured, characterized, and documented. Smallholder farmers considered indigenous knowledge indicators to be more accurate and reliable in their forecasting than scientific projections, which were described as inaccurate and received late. The research found that plants and birds used in this case are in danger of extinction at an alarming rate because of climate change and anthropogenic activities. The study derives key insights from how smallholder farmers in Moletjie village use the IK weather forecast to make farming decisions to ensure farm productivity. It also demonstrates that the smallholder farmers share their trust in modern technology and have confidence and the readiness for the use of scientific forecasting and climate projections which are expected to add value when integrated with IK