Local knowledge endures and grows
In this issue we give practical examples of local knowledge and how it continues to grow as it comes into contact with knowledge from elsewhere. Special attention is given by some of our contributor to the roots of agricultural knowledge in its socio-cultural setting, and the right to use this knowledge
Table of contents:
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2 - 2
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3 - 5written by Johan van der Kamp , Thomas R. OdhiamboThomas Odhiambo, a leading African scientist who has long been outspoken in urging researchers to look to the knowledge and culture of African farmers for their inspiration interviewed by ILEIA.
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6 - 7written by T. M. MukundanIn Asia, Latin America and Africa, there is a growing movement against the replacement of indigenous knowledge and value systems by Western ones and the resulting ecological bankruptcy to and socio-cultural disintegration. The PPST, Patriotic and People Oriented Science and Technology group, have been outspoken in this movement in India.
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8 - 8written by DharampalThe historian Dharampal suggests that keys to solving agricultural problems in India could be found by making a careful study of 18th century Indian peasant technology. Here, we bring parts of his paper.
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9 - 11written by Maria Salas , Hermann TillmannIntroduction of Western technology in the Andes is destroying the peasants\' basis for survival. Describing contemporary aspects of Andean agriculture, Maria Salas and Hermann Tillmann argue that the indigenous knowledge provides a viable alternative for development in the Peruvian Andes.
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12 - 13written by Roger W. SharlandIn Southern Sudan, indigenous techniques used in hunting and fishing have been applied to stop termites from eating young fruit trees. Roger Sharland, who worked for many years with the Moru people, gives an example of how knowledge rooted in local culture can be adapted to solve new problems with new crops.
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14 - 15written by Michael LoevinsohnElements of farming systems developed by Asian farmers are being adopted and adapted by African farmers. Michael Loevinsohn tells how farmers in Rwanda are responding to the new ideas by experimenting and innovating. They have thus found ways of intensifying crop production in a densely populated highland area.
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16 - 17written by Maryam NiamirSome of the range management techniques and systems developed by African pastoralists were described by Maryam Niamir in Volume 5, Issue 2. She now gives some examples of how this indigenous knowledge is being revived or modified, also within development programmes.
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18 - 19written by John ConnellFarmers were having problems with the official wheal-growing technology until some began developing technologies of their own. It now looks as though future wheat production in Thailand will be based on their alternative technologies. John Connell tells how a \"minimalist approach to PTD\" stimulated their development.
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20 - 21written by Anura S. WidanapathiranaTraditional farming systems have grown out of generations of farmer experience. A.S. Widanapathirana sought to understand dryland farming strategies in Western Sudan, so as to recognize the strengths of local practices which should be preserved and the problems for which farmers might need outside knowledge.
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22 - 23written by David MillarWhere would the small African farmer stand in 1990, e.g. in Northern Ghana, if outsiders hadn\'t interfered with so-called improved technology? David Millar argues that probably the majority of them and the environment would be better off. Does LEISA acknowledge these small farmers?
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24 - 25written by Anil GuptaWhat is knowledge and who has the right to use it? Academics have their reasons, but does that mean robbing the poor? Anil Gupta poses some important reflections for himself and those of us working with farmers. What game do we play and who defines the rules?
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26 - 26written by S. Subramanya , K. N. Ranganatha SastryFor soil conservation in rainfed agriculture, the World Bank is promoting the replacement of traditional earthen bunds by Vetiveria zizanioides grass. Some observers in India are sceptical and most are under the impression that it is not known to Indian farmers. Subramanya and Ranganatha Sastry found that this was not the case.
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27 - 27written by Julian F GonsalvesConferences and workshops do not in themselves save seeds. Julian Gonsalves observes a lack of effective action to prevent genetic erosion. He gives some practical considerations to increase the quality and impact of seed programmes at the field level.
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28 - 29written by Klaus ReiffThe neem (Azadirachta indica) is widely promoted as a miracle tree. Continuing the discussion about alternative pesticides, Klaus Reiff describes a project to help campesinos produce their own neem insecticide, and raises some important concerns.
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30 - 30written by Gene WilkenNew farming systems are emerging in the quest for productivity and sustainability, and global demand is increasingly expressed locally. Gene Wilken, author of Good Farmers (see Book Review), sees how aspects of Mayan agriculture are being combined with aspects of modern agriculture in response to international market demand.
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