Agro-ecology is recognized as a panacea to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Considering that climate change is multidimensional and complex in nature, a holistic approach, encompassing all forms of knowledge could simultaneously promote agro ecology initiatives thereby improving the environment and nourish development-constrained communities. This calls for an integrated participatory action research aimed at bridging all forms of knowledge systems, in which Indigenous and Western methods collaborate to co-create innovative solutions to climate challenges. Participatory action research is vital for knowledge co-creation and co-generation of innovations which foster community learning and development. However, there exists a gap in knowledge on the contribution of different knowledge systems towards promoting agro ecology research initiatives. This paper therefore aims to explore the integration of different knowledge systems in participatory action research on climate change adaptation and mitigation within the context of agro-ecology in Southern Africa. The key questions which the paper seeks to answer are: (i) which forms of knowledge exist to support research on agro-ecology for climate change adaptation and mitigation? (ii) to what extent do climate policies support the integration of different knowledge systems to promote agroecology for climate adaptation and mitigation? (iii) what are the key findings and lessons learnt from literature and case studies on the role of different knowledge systems in participatory action research on agro-ecology for climate change adaptation and mitigation? The paper draws evidence from examples of published literature, drawing from fields of agro-ecology, participatory action research, and science and technology studies, along with a firsthand farmer perspective on co-creation from southern Africa. Findings from the review indicates that there exists an array of knowledge systems ranging from traditional, Indigenous, tacit, or local knowledge and experts’ scientific, western, or generalizable knowledge with a potential to contribute towards agro-ecological innovations. Contemporary climate policies integrate the role of IKS in promoting agro-ecology initiatives. Indigenous knowledge systems play a dominant role to ensure local sustainable development and access to food for most rural communities. How can farmers integrate other forms of knowledge to promote sustainable agro-ecological practices for climate change adaptation and mitigation? The region still needs to embrace transdisciplinary practice of agroecology that bridges the gap between science, practice, and policy for climate action.
