Documentation of indigenous methods of waste management in Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Republic of South Africa

Abstract

There is an observed proliferation of studies around indigenous knowledge (IK). However, the definition of indigenous knowledge remains ambiguous from several studies. Some inconsistencies in what some international studies define as indigenous knowledge leave the IK concept fluid. To put the discourse on what IK is, the current study examined the priority elements that can be used to characterize knowledge as being indigenous or foreign to a defined community. In unravelling the discourse, the study examined the influence the demographics of Chief Albert Luthuli municipality on knowledge that is indigenous to this community. Results showed a link (nexus) between common spoken language, cultural, ritual practice, beliefs, and IK practices of communities in general. The study also showed the influence of economics such as employment, levels of education and household income on IK. The ultimate finding was that these variables proved association with the adoption of IK practice as means of survival as alternatives to lack of income or sustainable income in households. Indigenous methods emerge from language, culture, place, and customs. Indigenous methods were mostly practiced in developing countries, which included social, economic, and environmental activities practiced by the community for survival. Indigenous methods have been observed since time immemorial and have been effective in waste management within households in rural communities. Fewer studies were documented in relation to the waste management methods which were practiced indigenously by the communities in South Africa. Hence the study will explore the skills and practices acquired by the local community of Chief Albert Luthuli in relation to waste management. 398 respondents from the age 18 years and above participated in the study. Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) were used for data capturing and analysis. Samples were collected in certain areas of the study area by means of simple random sampling technique. Mixed method which consisted of questionnaires was selected for the purpose of the study. Waste management has been a major challenge for the community that led to indiscriminate waste disposal, hence indigenous waste management should be revisited to curb the challenge. Categories of waste streams were identified during the study and methods how they were indigenously managed by the local community within the study area of Chief Albert Luthuli municipality were also identified. Furthermore, the lack of formal waste management systems in the rural areas of Chief Albert Luthuli have resulted in different indigenous systems and practices of solid waste management.