An Exploration on the Use of African Indigenous Astronomy for Weather Forecasting by Vhavenda Communities

Weather forecasting is not a new phenomenon to Africa and Africans. African Indigenous people lived and survive weather related catastrophic events such as draughts, floods, thunder storm and strong winds that have always been accompanied by loss of livestock and crop failures. This is because somehow, they had an ideal about these catastrophic events before they happen and as such they were able to minimise loses and preserve their lives. This paper is aimed at exploring the use of the moon, sun and stars for weather forecasting by Vhavenda communities. This aim will be achieved through determining the history of African Indigenous astronomy; as well as exploring different ways that are used in weather forecasting by Vhavenda communities. The paper employs qualitative research approach. The paper intends to use purposive and snowball sampling techniques to identify 10 elderly people who possess vast knowledge pertaining to the use of African indigenous astronomy for weather forecasting purposes. Data was analysed thematically to generate meaning. findings suggest that Vhavenda communities has been using the star, the moon and the sun for effective weather prediction since the beginning of history. The paper therefore recommends for this knowledge to be integrated in the modern astronomy for effective weather forecasting.