According to new research by North-West University (NWU) master's-degree graduate Thabiso Masoko, young livestock farmers continue to rely on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), even when they believe such practices belong to the past.
Thabiso's study, conducted in Lokaleng village in North West, found that indigenous knowledge remains central to livestock production and offers practical solutions to climate change, food security and youth unemployment. The research argues that preserving this knowledge while combining it with modern farming methods could strengthen the resilience of rural farming communities.
"What surprised me most was the disconnect between perception and practice," says Thabiso. "Many young participants initially viewed indigenous knowledge systems as outdated and ancient. However, as the discussions unfolded, it became clear that they continued to rely on indigenous knowledge in their everyday livestock farming."
Drawing on the biblical phrase, "My people perish for lack of knowledge", Thabiso says the research highlighted how misconceptions have distanced young people from practices they still use.
"One participant described indigenous knowledge simply as 'local knowledge', and that shifted the conversation," he says. "It showed how globalisation, formal education, technological advancement and urbanisation have influenced young people's perceptions of their cultural heritage. Yet, many still recognised that indigenous knowledge remains essential for sustainable livestock farming, environmental stewardship and preserving cultural identity."
Through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 20 young livestock farmers, two community elders and local agricultural extension officers, the study examined how indigenous knowledge is preserved and applied in livestock farming.
The findings show that traditional practices continue to guide selective breeding, herbal feeding supplements, ethnoveterinary medicine and livestock housing adapted to local climatic conditions. These approaches contribute to livestock health, biodiversity conservation and ecological balance while reducing dependence on costly commercial inputs.
The research also found that the transfer of indigenous knowledge between generations is weakening because of modernisation, climate variability, limited documentation and declining participation by young people in traditional farming. However, young farmers who learn from community elders are more likely to combine indigenous practices with scientific innovations, creating farming systems that improve productivity and resilience.
Thabiso says stronger institutional support is needed to ensure indigenous livestock knowledge is preserved and recognised.
"The government should invest more in recognising indigenous livestock farming knowledge through recognition of prior learning frameworks and programmes that make livestock farming attractive to young people," he says. "In an economy facing slow growth and high unemployment, agriculture will always remain relevant because people will always need food."
He says indigenous knowledge offers affordable and practical solutions that have sustained rural communities for generations.
"By combining indigenous knowledge with modern agricultural practices, South Africa can create sustainable livelihoods, strengthen food security and preserve its cultural heritage," says Thabiso. "Rural communities should also encourage mentorship between elders and young people to ensure this valuable knowledge is passed on to future generations."
The study recommends greater recognition of indigenous knowledge in agricultural extension programmes, policy development and youth-focused training initiatives. It also calls for community-based documentation and mentorship programmes to safeguard indigenous knowledge on livestock for future generations.
The study calls for stronger implementation of existing policies supporting IKS, alongside greater recognition of IKS through agricultural extension programmes, youth-focused training initiatives and community-based mentorship and documentation programmes.
NWU master's-degree graduate Thabiso Masoko says combining indigenous knowledge on livestock farming with modern agricultural practices can strengthen food security and climate resilience, and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
