The domestication and commercialisation of the savha (Sansevieria pearsonii) to underpin rural development targets and livelihood guarantees in the Pfumembe Village of the Musekwa Valley, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study investigated the cultural and economic significance of the savha (Sansevieria Pearsonii) among the residents of the Pfumembe Village of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The main objective was to explore possibilities of domesticating and commercialising the plant by developing a farm. An interdisciplinary approach was used to design a mixed method study developed with data collected from purposively selected and interviewed primary participants (n=11), key informants (n=8). Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and transect walk in the village. The plant had both cultural and economic significance. The results furthermore revealed that it was domesticable and that it could be commercialised. Developing a farm from this plant was achievable. 

Keywords: {'name': 'Poverty, Rural development, Social capital, Fiber, Savha (Sansevieria pearsonii).'}

Authors & affiliations

Mavhungu Abel Mafukata
University of South Africa

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