Community-centred Digitalisation of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge: An Empirically Derived Framework from Vhavenda Groundnut Farming, South Africa

Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima · 2026 · F1000Research

Summary. This study examined how Vhavenda groundnut farming communities in South Africa view digitalizing their Indigenous agricultural knowledge. Researchers found that communities see this knowledge as a living system tied to ecology, culture, and identity, transmitted through observation and storytelling. While communities support using digital tools to preserve knowledge and engage youth, they insist digitalisation must remain community-controlled, culturally appropriate, and ethically grounded. The study produced a framework prioritizing Indigenous governance and community authority over technological solutions.

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@article{madima-2026-community-centred-digitalisation-indigenous-agricultural,
  title   = {Community-centred Digitalisation of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge: An Empirically Derived Framework from Vhavenda Groundnut Farming, South Africa},
  author  = {Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima},
  journal = {F1000Research},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.12688/f1000research.188475.1},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.188475.1}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Community-centred Digitalisation of Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge: An Empirically Derived Framework from Vhavenda Groundnut Farming, South Africa
AU  - Thizwilondi Joanbeth Madima
JO  - F1000Research
PY  - 2026
DO  - 10.12688/f1000research.188475.1
UR  - https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.188475.1
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.12688/f1000research.188475.1

Countries

South Africa

Regions

Africa

Categories

indigenous-innovation, food-systems, broadband-and-digital, general-innovation

Added

2026-10-01