Volume 62, Issue 341, May - August 2026

Natural Capital as a Potential Asset Base for Sustainable Livelihoods Associated with Members of the African Initiated Churches in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

Ranwedzi Emmanuel Ndivhuwo^1,2, Nesamvuni Azwihangisi Edward^1,4, Tshikolomo Khathutshelo Alfred^1,3, de Bruyn Melanie¹, Mavhungu Tsumbedzo Jutas^1,3♦, Swanepoel Willem Jan¹

¹Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, University of the Free State, South Africa.
²Department of Land Reform & Rural Development, South Africa
³Limpopo Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, South Africa
⁴Khanimambo Innovative Solutions, Pretoria, South Africa

^♦Corresponding Author
Mavhungu TJ, Limpopo Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, South Africa. & Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development, University of the Free State, 9300, South Africa

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the script is to investigate and provide a conceptual framework that propels the natural capital within the livelihood systems of members of the African Initiated Churches (AInCs). The sample identified three (3) churches within the independent churches framework which originated from the AInCs, some of which retained their outlook while others were transformed towards Pentecostal movements and charismatic ministries. A questionnaire was developed to collect data in relation to the respondent livelihoods, religious convictions and activities. Key informants were identified through a sampling technique, a nonprobability sampling method in which initial participants refer to other potential informants, through creating a chain that grows to access populations which may not be found under normal circumstances were used. A total of 221 questionnaires were administered, and those provided both quantitative and qualitative data. The questionnaire captured household demographic profile, livelihood capitals (natural, human, physical, financial, and social), vulnerability, household expenses, and the relationship between the respondents and the church. Drawing on sustainable livelihood literatures system thinking, AInCs theological perspective, and the outcome of this study, identify a central regulatory mechanism shaping stewardship, access, and use of natural resources. The paper argues that despite AInCs roles as informal institutions, the churches enables sustainable, resilient, and dignified rural livelihoods through spiritually informed natural capital governance. It is through this natural capital that food security, income generation and social reproduction are strengthened, particularly in marginalized rural communities. However, increasing pressures from climate change, environmental degradation, land insecurity, and socio-economic inequality have intensified livelihood vulnerability. The AInCs as influential grassroots institutions play a critical, yet under-recognized role in mediating rural livelihoods. This paper integrates natural capital into AInCs informed livelihood framework, highlighting the spiritual and communal dimensions of sustainability.

Keywords: Livelihoods, Rural, Communities, African initiated churches

Discovery, 2026, 62, e25d3307

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Published: 16 August 2026