Indigenous Knowledge and Acceptability of Treated Effluent in Agriculture

Abstract

The twin challenges of lack of access to improved sanitation and food insecurity remain critical, particularly in the global south. With cognizance of the nutrient potential of human excreta, there has been increasing interest in linking sanitation innovations with agriculture by using nutrients recovered from human excreta for crop production, thus, closing the nutrient loop. While studies and field trials have explored and validated the technical feasibility of reusing nutrients recovered from human excreta in agriculture, there is still limited knowledge of its social acceptability. This study examined whether indigenous knowledge can be leveraged to increase the acceptability of human-excreta-derived plant nutrient sources such as treated effluent in agriculture. A qualitative research design comprising seven focus group interviews (five in rural areas and two in peri-urban areas) was conducted in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Findings from the focus groups reveal a willingness to grow and consume food using treated effluent. Additionally, participants made references to indigenous practices that encourage recycling and reuse of human excreta. Given the potential to simultaneously address issues of food insecurity and sanitation that characterize many peri-urban and rural areas in South Africa, we recommend further studies in this area.

Behavioral intentions of rural farmers to recycle human excreta in agriculture

“…The effect of crop type, processing, and cooking influenced farmers’ perceptions on the use of human excreta. South Africa's experiences with domestic treated wastewater effluent show the importance of choosing the right crops by avoiding crops that are consumed raw, while prioritizing crops with edible parts wrapped in husks, pods, and peels 105 . Moving away from crops such as cucumbers, carrots, and lettuce towards maize and beans may enhance social acceptance.…”

“…While most of these elements can be addressed by raising awareness, hygiene practices, and education, the health risk perception are of technical concern for contaminant elimination. Using the World Health Organization Sanitation Safety Plans to perform microbial risk assessment across the human excreta recovery, and reuse chain is recommended for protecting farmers' health 105 .…”

Wastewater as a Source of Productive Water, Biomass, and Energy at Low Cost Against the Respective Scarcities in the Present and the Future in African Countries

“…This situation hardly changes and most of the time, the systems do not work properly conducting a limited treatment and releasing hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens. In South Africa for example, effluent from household wastewater treatment (WWT) poses a challenge concerning disposal because it contains high concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which do not meet regulatory standards for discharge [17]. Using this effluent in agriculture could provide an innovative way of disposal in a manner and benefit society.…”

The Future of Yoruba Indigeneous Knowledge: Acquisition, Preservation and Transmission

“…Such knowledge and skills are shared over generations, and each new generation adds and adapts in response to changing circumstances and environmental conditions. However, still there is a grave risk that much indigenous knowledge is being lost and, along with it, valuable knowledge about ways of living sustainably both ecologically and socially (Okem. & Odindo 2020).…”

“…This makes it hard for older Yoruba generations to show and explain to younger generations how to carry out certain customs and traditions especially if they do not live within the Yoruba territory where this IK resides. However, there is a grave risk that much indigenous knowledge is being lost as well as valuable knowledge about ways of living sustainably both ecologically and socially (Okem & Odindo 2020). It is crystal clear that, if this knowledge goes to extinction, the survival of Yoruba kingdom, customs, belief and traditions is at serious risk.…”