Showing papers on "Traditional knowledge published in 1970"

Paul Sillitoe, Alan Bicker & Johan Pottier. Participating in development: approaches to indigenous knowledge. ASA Monographs No 39. London: Routledge, 2002.

Abstract: It has long been recognised that the top-down, science-centred approach of development has failed to deliver its promises. The bottom-up participatory approach, advocated a couple of decades ago, has also not yielded the desired results. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) research forms one of the latest development models, which aims to address local needs more effectively. This volume, a collection of papers presented at the ASA conference 2000, is an attempt by anthropologis ts to contribute to the debate and carve their own niche in the process. Two broad themes (and various other interrelated sub themes) provide the common thread to a richly diverse volume. Firstly, what is IK, and what forms does its relationship with science take? Secondly, what are the possible methodologies that can be used to foster meaningful dialogue between, and encourage the integration of, the different knowledge systems in the development process? The first chapter is introductory and Sillitoe analyses the main themes dealt with in the volume. The term IK – also known as local knowledge, citizen knowledge, traditional knowledge, folk science, people’s knowledge, each with subtle differences, formulated within their own contexts – has, in the 20 th century, been ‘muted, rejected and subsequently discovered and celebrated’ (237). The term has nevertheless provoked criticism because IK is seen as static, unchanging, and bounded, whereas in practice it is ever changing and dynamic. Paul Sillitoe defines it as ‘a unique formulation of knowledge coming from a range of sources rooted in local cultures, a dynamic and ever changing pastiche of past ‘tradition’ and present invention with a view to the future’ (113). The contributors argue that development cannot be meaningful unless IK is integrated into the development process. However, historically, IK has been, and largely continues to be seen as inferior to science. The volume explores ways of addressing this power imbalance, integrating the two knowledge systems and what the anthropologist’s role in this process might be. It also critically analyses the ethical issues, disciplinary demands and other dilemmas faced by anthropologists. Key to this, is that anyone writing and engaging critically in action research has to deal with the crisis of representation. Who can write with authority about whom, and who owns the final product, (i.e. the ethnography) with respect to intellectual property rights? This is made more complex as participatory research is also informed by

Scientific validation of the traditional knowledge of Sikta ("Tabernaemontana sananho", Apocynaceae) in the Canelo-Kichwa Amazonian community

Abstract: Tabernaemontana sananho is a tree member of the Apocynaceae family referred to as sikta in Kichwa language. It is widely used in northern South America as painkiller, stimulant, antiseptic and is also highly valued as a sacred plant. In this work, we report the traditional knowledge and uses of sikta by the scarcely contacted Kichwa community of Pakayaku (Pastaza province, Ecuador) and further provide a scientific framework for its scientific validation. A review of the available literature revealed the presence of a wealth of biologically active indole alkaloids that potentially account for the great number of medicinal uses of sikta. This case study is illustrative of the importance of scientific validation of traditional knowledge (i) for indigenous communities —as empowering tool—, (ii) for the sake of scientific knowledge and (iii) for plant conservation.

The Utilization of Common Property Resources and Sustainable Management: A Case Study of Dobhan VDC of Palpa

Abstract: Traditional western economic approaches recognize and focus only two types of property, public and individual. But there is third dimension of property as common property resources (CPRs), which have been traditionally recognized by the society in Nepal. They are playing a crucial role in people's survival and community development particularly in rural Nepal. The common property resources can be recognized in two types viz, Natural property and Men made property. The nature and types of these properties vary from place to place and from one community to another. Each community has its own tradition and practices in utilization and management of CPRs based on their indigenous knowledge. The models for the utilization and management of these resources may vary from community to community. The concept of CPRs user group is showing the best way of resource management in study area as well as Nepalese society which can fit well into increasingly emphasized grass root level for democratic decision-making, participatory development and fair equity distribution. This study shows that each community can develop and have to develop its own model in keeping with the local socio-economic and resource related circumstances. In this context, this study tries to investigate some of the existing resources and their management practices in the study area for the sustainable use and community development with the help of CPRs and suggests that the groups can be facilitated by providing legal flexibility and logistic support from the government instead of imposing any outsider model. Key words: Common Property; Sustainable management; Palpa Nepal Tribhuvan University Journal Volume XXVI No. 1, 2009 Page: 109-120