Integrating Indigenous Knowledge into South Africa’s Free Basic Water Policy for Sustainable Water Conservation in Low-Income Communities: A Systematic Literature Review

South Africa’s Free Basic Water Policy (FBWP) provides low-income households with a baseline amount of water free of charge, addressing basic needs but posing challenges for water conservation due to the lack of direct usage costs. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) offers a valuable complement to FBWP, contributing community-driven, sustainable practices that can encourage conservation while respecting cultural practices. This systematic literature review (SLR) evaluates the potential for integrating IK into FBWP to enhance water conservation efforts in low-income South African communities. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant peer-reviewed studies were identified, screened, and analysed. The key findings highlight strategies such as community-led rainwater harvesting, natural filtration methods, groundwater recharge, traditional governance models, and sustainable agricultural practices. Integrating IK into FBWP can improve water conservation outcomes, support sustainable resource use, and foster a culturally aligned approach to water management in low-income communities.