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

Background Indigenous agricultural knowledge plays a vital role in sustaining biodiversity, food security, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship. Despite increasing recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), much Indigenous agricultural knowledge remains orally transmitted and is increasingly threatened by socio-economic change, urbanisation and declining intergenerational knowledge transmission. Although digital technologies offer new opportunities for preservation, existing approaches often privilege technological solutions over Indigenous governance and community authority. Methods This exploratory qualitative study examined community perspectives on the ethical digitalisation of Indigenous agricultural knowledge among 25 purposively selected participants from four Vhavenda groundnut-farming communities in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Guided by Indigenous Knowledge Systems Theory, Indigenous Research Methodologies and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, data were generated through semi-structured interviews, focus-group discussions and participant observation and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results Four interrelated themes emerged. Participants conceptualised Indigenous agricultural knowledge as a living epistemological system embedded within ecological knowledge, cultural values and community identity. Knowledge was transmitted primarily through observation, storytelling, apprenticeship and intergenerational participation. While participants recognised the potential of digital technologies to strengthen knowledge preservation and youth engagement, they consistently emphasised that digitalisation should remain community-governed, culturally appropriate and ethically grounded. These findings informed the development of the Community-centred Indigenous Knowledge Digitalisation Framework (CIKDF), which positions Indigenous communities as the principal custodians, decision-makers and beneficiaries throughout the digital preservation lifecycle. Conclusions The study demonstrates that successful digitalisation of Indigenous agricultural knowledge depends less on technological innovation than on Indigenous governance, community participation and ethical stewardship. By integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Indigenous Research Methodologies, participatory digital heritage and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, the CIKDF provides a theoretically grounded and practically applicable framework for the ethical preservation of Indigenous agricultural knowledge in South Africa and comparable Indigenous contexts internationally.