Halt the slide to poverty

The country’s traditional cannabis growers are increasingly being marginalized by the haphazard approach to cannabis reform. Landraces are also under threat as consumers take advantage of the wide variety of cannabis strains now available in the “grey market”.

Among those seeking to halt the slide into poverty of many rural cannabis farmers, is Kamogelo Noge, a master's student in indigenous knowledge systems at the North-West University (NWU). He is focusing on how cannabis can enhance social and economic development, particularly for indigenous communities like the Amampondo of Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape province.

According to a NWU newsletter, Kamogelo's study highlights the potential of cannabis to support socio-economic development, noting that indigenous cannabis growers are often sidelined in the industry.

Cannabis industry heading towards privatisation at the expense of communities

"Involving indigenous communities in the cannabis industry can contribute towards implementing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which is necessary for their survival.” The goals include no poverty, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.

The Indigenous Knowledge Act No. 6 of 2019 is designed to protect and promote indigenous knowledge. Kamogelo believes this act could play a crucial role in integrating indigenous communities into the cannabis industry, which is currently highly privatised.

"Mainstreaming indigenous cannabis growers in the cannabis production market will ensure that their rights are recognised and enhanced for sustainable livelihoods," he says.

Kamogelo's research seeks to identify ways to ensure that indigenous communities benefit from their traditional agricultural practices. He argues that proper commercialisation of cannabis, with the inclusion of indigenous knowledge, can contribute significantly to socio-economic development.

Pool the knowledge

The study also aims to make indigenous knowledge central to cannabis production, urging both governmental and non-governmental agencies to adopt and utilise this knowledge.

"If this resource is properly commercialised with the inclusion of indigenous communities, it has the potential to grow the South African economy and to improve the socio-economic status of these communities," he adds.

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