Integrating indigenous knowledge systems into regenerative agriculture for sustainable crop production in southern Africa

Abstract

Agricultural production in Southern Africa is increasingly constrained by climate variability, declining soil fertility, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and rising pest pressures, particularly within rain-fed smallholder farming systems. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), developed through generations of interaction between communities and local agroecosystems, offer context-specific approaches that align closely with the principles of regenerative agriculture. This review synthesizes evidence from 37 publications examining the contribution of IKS to sustainable crop production across Southern Africa. Particular attention is given to soil health, soil biological activity, water-use efficiency, ecological pest regulation, crop productivity, and climate resilience. The synthesis demonstrates that indigenous regenerative practices, including organic soil amendments, residue retention, crop diversification, intercropping, agroforestry, water harvesting, and botanical pest management, improve soil organic carbon, enhance microbial activity, increase water retention, and stabilize yields under climatic stress. Evidence further indicates that indigenous pest management strategies frequently maintain pest populations below economic injury thresholds, thereby reducing dependence on synthetic pesticides while supporting ecosystem services. The review highlights the convergence between IKS, agroecology, integrated pest management, conservation agriculture, and regenerative agriculture, and proposes pathways for integrating indigenous ecological indicators into decision-support systems, crop models, and precision agriculture technologies. Despite growing recognition of indigenous knowledge within sustainability and climate adaptation agendas, significant gaps remain in quantitative validation, longitudinal assessment, and integration into formal agricultural research and policy frameworks. The findings demonstrate that Indigenous Knowledge Systems constitute a scientifically credible and economically viable foundation for regenerative agriculture and contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). Strengthening the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge systems will be essential for building resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems across Southern Africa and the broader Global South.