Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture development: banana ripening methodologies from South Africa

Beata Kilonzo, John B. O. Ogola, Ishmael Obaeko Iwara · 2025 · Insights into Regional Development

Summary. South African small-scale banana farmers use traditional Indigenous ripening methods involving natural materials like ashes, cow dung, and local leaves. These practices enhance food security and livelihoods while remaining undocumented in scientific literature. The study identifies why farmers maintain these techniques: they are affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly. The research calls for documenting and integrating this knowledge into educational programs to preserve cultural heritage and improve farmer livelihoods.

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Kilonzo, B., Ogola, J. B. O., & Iwara, I. O.. (2025). Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture development: banana ripening methodologies from South Africa. Insights into Regional Development. https://doi.org/10.70132/p8996699462

@article{kilonzo-2025-indigenous-knowledge-sustainable-agriculture-development,
  title   = {Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture development: banana ripening methodologies from South Africa},
  author  = {Beata Kilonzo and John B. O. Ogola and Ishmael Obaeko Iwara},
  journal = {Insights into Regional Development},
  year    = {2025},
  doi     = {10.70132/p8996699462},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.70132/p8996699462}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture development: banana ripening methodologies from South Africa
AU  - Beata Kilonzo
AU  - John B. O. Ogola
AU  - Ishmael Obaeko Iwara
JO  - Insights into Regional Development
PY  - 2025
DO  - 10.70132/p8996699462
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Details

DOI: 10.70132/p8996699462
Countries: South Africa
Regions: Africa
Categories: indigenous-innovation, food-systems, education, general-innovation
Added: 2026-05-01