Showing papers on "Traditional knowledge published in 1991"

Using Indigenous Knowledge in Agricultural Development

Abstract: This paper reviews three types of project scenarios: projects where local knowledge provided an improved approach to managing natural resources than proposed project technologies, projects that inadvertently ignored indigenous structures, and those projects whose success at meeting their objectives can be linked to the deliberate incorporation of indigenous knowledge components. According to the author, the literature shows that by understanding and working with indigenous knowledge and decision-making systems and indigenous organizations, participation, capacity-building, and sustainability all can be enhanced in cost-effective ways. The case for using indigenous knowledge in project work is straightforward. Technical solutions to unperceived problems are not readily adopted, new technologies that duplicate indigenous ones are superfluous, and ignoring local approaches to local problems is wasteful.

Invention, Authorship, "Intellectual Property," and the Origin of Patents: Notes toward a Conceptual History

Abstract: Intellectual property issues involving both old and new technologies are pressing and controversial in contemporary scientific and technical culture.' Yet the historical development of the concept of intellectual property itself needs far more study. As it pertains to technology, "intellectual property" involves particular attitudes toward craft knowledge and practice, invention, and authorship, and is properly studied within the context of these intrinsically related issues. A complex background of intellectual history precedes the origin of the limited monopoly that is called a patent. "Intellectual property," a legal concept, refers to various kinds of intangible property. With reference to technology, it involves the belief that knowledge of craft processes and techniques and the development of technological innovations are forms of property with commercial value that are separate from products or devices.2 Intellectual property laws grant limited monopolies under certain conditions for particular kinds of authorship. Most modern legal systems distinguish between patents and copyrights. Yet to project this distinction too DR. LONG is a tutor at St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland. She is working on a book concerning the issues of openness, secrecy, authorship, and intellectual property in pre-17th-century writings on the practical and military arts. Aspects of the research were presented at the 1990 SHOT meeting in Cleveland. She gratefully acknowledges

The Ethnoecology of Maize Variety Management: A Case Study from Mexico

Abstract: This paper presents a case study of the relationship between farmers' knowledge of maize varieties and their selection and management of these varieties under conditions of technological change. Research for this paper was done among Spanish-speaking small farmers in an ejidoof central Chiapas, Mexico. This ejido is well integrated into the market, and the use of modem technologies is widespread. This research demonstrates that farmers have an extensive and widely shared knowledge of their maize varieties. This knowledge reflects objective maize characteristics. Variation occurs in the farmers' selection and management of maize varieties, but on average the variation deviates from a random pattern in the direction predicted by the farmers' knowledge base. They have incorporated the technological changes brought about by development into their knowledge base. Farmers maintain maize varieties with contrasting traits, and their knowledge base provides important information about which traits and constraints are important to them.

Indigenous natural-resource management systems for sustainable agricultural development—a global perspective†

Abstract: Increasing pressure for food production due to the rapidly growing population has led to the gradual disappearance of numerous indigenous knowledge systems (IKSs) related to natural resource management. This process exposes the earths natural resources to constant ecological instability (such as loss of genetic diversity) and severe environmental vulnerability (such as soil degradation and soil erosion). Recent research on indigenous natural resource management systems indicates that they are highly sophisticated and complex reflecting generations of careful observations of the natural and physical environment. Keeping these in view a literature review has been conducted to identify major consequences of the disappearance of IKSs related to natural resource management. An attempt has been made to categorize indigenous natural resource management systems. IKSs documented from all over the globe and received at the Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development (CIKARD) were used to illustrate specific instances of locally adapted and economically viable indigenous natural resource management systems. Such examples were found in indigenous agronomic practices agroforestry indigenous genetic resources and pastoral management. An integrated natural resource management model has been developed with an overall goal of increasing food production by small-scale farmers with a least amount of deterioration to natures resource base. The salient features of the proposed model include promoting small-scale farmer participation recording indigenous knowledge systems related to natural resource management conducting diagnostic interviews evaluating modern technologies and conducting on-farm farmer-oriented research (OFFOR) trials for integrating indigenous and modern technologies. Careful implementation of such a model could contribute to ameliorating the growing natural resource problems of the developing world such as soil erosion environmental degradation and ecological destruction. (authors)

Indigenous ecological knowledge systems and development

Abstract: This paper reviews a selection of the literature that focuses on indigenous ecological knowledge systems and the accompanying cosmology and myth Traditional ecological knowledge may not be obvious to the western trained scientist or the development worker since it may be disguised in the form of cosmology and ritual The paper argues that the development process must be based on an understanding of traditional ecological knowledge if projects are to be sustainable both environmentally and sociologically

Traditional knowledge for soil conservation in central Mexico

Abstract: MOST conventional theory on soil conservation methods originated in developed countries under circumstances very different from those of developing countries suffering from soil erosion ( 2, 10, 16 ). Few studies take into account the local rural experience and incorporate it into the design of conservation programs and policies. Top-down engineering approaches, based on mechanical protection (structures) rather than on population needs, have led to many failures in soil conservation programs in developing countries ( 5, 19, 21 ). The peasants' perceptions of erosion are generally not understood and, consequently, not considered by the government in policy design ( 11, 13, 16, 26 ). A rural development approach considering farmers' perceptions of the problem and simple, inexpensive landscape management methods may be more appropriate ( 5, 19, 20 ). Government soil and water conservation efforts in Mexico have not been overly successful. In nearly 40 years of existence, the federal agency in charge of soil and water conservation programs could reclaim only two percent of the total national area affected by erosion ( 25 ). Conservation practices carried out by Mexican governmental agencies usually ignore traditional knowledge. The peasants are even considered an obstacle to conservation. In many instances, however, an enormous amount of valuable knowledge has …

Utilizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Agricultural Education to Promote Sustainable Agriculture.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework for utilizing IKS in nonformal agricultural education to promote sustainable agriculture. What is indigenous knowledge (IK)? What special contribution can it make to sustainable agriculture? How can this contribution be incorporated into agricultural education ? From a review of the IK literature, important conceptual, philosophical, and technical issues emerge in answer to these questions. Conceptual issues refer to definitions and dimensions of IKS. Philosophical issues refer to the perception of and justification for IK in sustainable agriculture. Technical issues relate to the modalities of implementing IK’s contribution through agricultural education.

Farming systems development: Synthesizing indigenous and scientific knowledge systems

Abstract: Agricultural development strategies to date were chiefly based on Western technological solutions, with mixed success rates. Farming Systems Research (FSR) was advanced as a way to increase the use of indigenous knowledge of farming to make new technologies more adaptable and appropriate to farming conditions. FSR has enabled researchers to focus attention on people and their knowledge by increasing people's participation in problem identification and new technology validation. In practice, though, FSR continues to be a top-down approach: technologies continue to be developed (in most cases) in the exogenous, Western knowledge system. Little has been done to develop indigenous technology generating and diffusing capacities already present in the rural areas. In this paper, a model adapted from Bell (1979) will be advanced that is based on cooperation and collaboration between the exogenous and indigenous knowledge systems leading to a synthesis of the two. The underlying principle of the model is that the ultimate solution for rural development is not the dumping of more scientists upon rural people (of whatever discipline) to make exogenously-generated technologies more adaptable and in-line with people's problems, but to strengthen, empower, and legitimize indigenous capacities for identifying problems and developing solutions for these problems. The “empowerment” of the indigenous knowledge/technology system (however difficult that may be politically) so that it has equal footing with Western knowledge may well be the most important step in a strategy of enabling the people in the developing countries themselves to alleviate their poverty.

Understanding an indigenous knowledge system for tree fodder via a multi-method on-farm research approach

Abstract: Understanding the dynamics of indigenous resource management systems can benefit natural resource development efforts and contribute to effective on-farm agroforestry research initiatives. This paper reports on the authors' investigation of an indigenous knowledge systems for the management, cultivation, and use of private tree fodder resources in a community in the middle hills of Central Nepal. It focuses on the methods used to develop an understanding of the cognitive systems used by farmers in this community to classify and evaluate tree fodder. A participatory multi-method research approach was employed to overcome many of the limitations of traditional survey research. The approach centered on the use of the repertory grid method within the framework of personal construct theory. Repertory grid results were analyzed in conjunction with data collected from participant observation, a formal household survey, an inventory of privately grown trees, and ethnographic interviews. This integrated analysis resulted in an understanding of the indigenous knowledge system for the management of tree fodder resources.

The future of terrace farming in Yemen: A development dilemma

Abstract: The country of Yemen, on the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the most extensively terraced areas in the world. There is a well-documented tradition of both dryland and irrigated farming over the past three millennia and much of the indigenous agricultural knowledge survives. Development efforts over the past two decades in the north of Yemen have focused on expansion of tubewell irrigation at the expense of the major land use on dryland terraces and traditional subsistence crops. Despite millions of dollars in aid, Yemen is far from agriculturally self-sufficient and its scarce water resource is rapidly being depleted. This articles explores the relevance of indigenous Yemeni knowledge of agriculture and the environment for the future of terrace farming in the country. It is argued that farmer knowledge can contribute to sustainable production and can be grafted on to modern methods and technology. Within Yemen the existing community support networks and pride in national heritage would assist in a reinvestment effort for the existing resource of the terraces.

The indigenous knowledge of ecological processes among peasants in the People's Republic of China

Abstract: A decision-tree model of an indigenous forest management system centered around shamu (Cunninghamia lanceolata),an important timber species in China, was constructed from extensive interviews with peasants in two villages in Fujian Province, China. From this model additional interviews were conducted to elicit from these peasants their reasons for selecting among decision alternatives. Those reasons that were of an ecological nature were discussed in detail with the peasants to elicit indigenous interpretations of ecological processes in order to test an hypothesis that a strong analogy exists between traditional indigenous and scientific knowledge of ecological processes. Three cases are presented that test this hypothesis. These three cases concern the effect of intercrops on the growth of shamu,the relative merits of seedlings and root collar sprout cuttings for forest regeneration, and the effects of repeated plantings of shamuon soil chemistry. All three cases provide strong support for the research hypothesis and suggest that, even in the absence of a formalized scientific method, humans exercise mental processes typical of scientific thinking. This phenomenon is called proto-science.

Building on tradition: Indigenous irrigation knowledge and sustainable development in Asia

Abstract: Indigenous irrigation systems have been a central feature of Asian agriculture since prehistoric times, and reflect technical knowledge with a proven record of sustainability. Modern agricultural development efforts often ignore this indigenous knowledge, replacing traditional infrastructure with new construction, and replacing indigenous management arrangements with state bureaucracies. For reasons of environmental conservation as well as institutional stability, indigenous irrigation systems should be intelligently assisted, rather than mindlessly replaced.

Building upon peoples' ecological knowledge: Framework for studying culturally embedded CPR institutions

Abstract: We have earlier argued (Gupta 1990) that portfolio of activities evolved by households for adjusting with risks includes a combination of apparently rational and not so rational strategies of livelihood. The portfolio is based on resources governed by different property right regimes on one hand and ethical and cultural norms on the other. In this paper I argue that institutions for natural resource management are a part of evolutionary cultural, religious and social experience of any community. While it is inevitable that conflicts in the access to resources or their utilization emerge from time to time. These conflicts need not erode completely the network of common property knowledge systems. The conflicts and convergence may simultaneously take place along different planes and levels of consciousness. One cannot analyze resource management institutions without understanding the conceptualization of nature and repertoire of responses that a community evolves to adjust with changes in the natural phenomena. The incidence of drought in dry regions, hailstorm or landslides in hill areas, occurrence of plant, animal or human diseases particularly the ones which are contagious (and call for collective quarantine) and any other natural calamity creates stress on the social institutions. Folk literature including riddles, songs, proverbs, adages, stories, theater and jokes provide mechanisms for internalizing certain values which in their explicit form are either difficult to imbibe or to sustain. In our anxiety to look for rules and related order we may miss the creativity that underlies the experimental and innovative mind of peasants and pastoralists in these regions. I present in part one a framework for looking at boundaries of beliefs, eco-sociological context and institutional images for natural resource management. In part two I present instances which illustrate the creative aspect of people’s indigenous eco-sociological knowledge systems (IEKS). In part three, I deal with the lessons for institution building requiring incorporation of indigenous knowledge as a building block of modern institutions. Finally issues for further research are identified.

The Re-integration and Rehabilitation of Migrant Workers into a Local Domestic Economy: Lessons for Endogenous Development

Abstract: This paper examines the nature, extent and long-term consequences when a local community re-integrates and rehabilitates migrant workers back into the domestic economy. Specifically, it focuses on how a Ghanaian community relying on aspects of its cultural resource base responded to socioeconomic stress caused by the sudden influx of its citizens who had emigrated to Nigeria in search of wage employment and improved standards of living. The author discusses the contemporary adaptation of the returnees, pointing to the degree of intra-village stratification that resulted from their agricultural successes. The author also highlights the extent of social responsibility that exists among community members. It is argued that indigenous knowledge and cultural attributes of rural peoples such as community bonding, self-help, mutual aid, social responsibility, and the organizational capabilities of traditional polities need to be re-examined for their contributions to an "endogenous" strategy of development.

Ethnoagronomy and ethnogastronomy: On indigenous typology and use of biological resources

Abstract: Indigenous systems of recognition and classification of plants and arthropods are based on local criteria of relationship and contrast. Both inherent intellectual interest and utility considerations play a part in the choice of distinguishing features emphasized. In distinguishing among non-cultivated plants informants display awareness of life habits and morphological features that have little direct bearing on agronomic properties. In discriminating among harmless arthropods, physiological/behavioral attributes are emphasized. When the tasks include cultivated plants and harmful arthropods, functional criteria tend to dominate with respect to plant discrimination while negative human-directed effects are emphasized with respect to arthropods. Focusing on rice varieties, the discrimination criteria used are significantly gastronomic. One implication is that there is a need to broaden our perspective on farmers to admit a view of them as consumers rather than just as producers and to take their gastronomic preferences into account in breeding cultivars that have improved agronomic and market performance. In terms of integrated pest management, there is a need for taking stock of indigenous knowledge before any attempt to supplant it with “scientific” information is initiated. In sum, more serious attention needs to be paid to “ethnoagronomy” and “ethnogastronomy” — cognized models in the spheres of production and consumption — in order to design and promote agricultural recommendations that have a better chance of passing through the preattentive filters and being deliberately considered by farmers for their possible merits.

Intellectual property protection in Asia

Abstract: As the value of your corporations' and your clients' intellectual property continues to escalate, so does the importance of correct and precise handling of that intellectual property Now practicing attorney experts have provided the reader with intellectual property guidance for jurisdictions in the vital Pacific Rim: China; Hong Kong; Taiwan; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; Singapore; Thailand; Vietnam; Indonesia; The Philippines; and India Coverage includes all the standard areas of intellectual property law: copyright; trademark; patents; trade secrets; licensing; competition and antitrust; enforcement; litigation; and customs issues as applied to intellectual property

Ecologically-based strategies for conservation and development in the tropics

Abstract: Tropical countries are endowed with a rich array of biotic and geophysical resources. Only in the past 30 years has the rate of their resource transformation been so rapid as to threaten the environment, largely because of the demands of a growing human population resulting from the demographic transition. While resource transformations have produced the goods and services necessary to meet the needs of the growing populations, they have also generated a variety of effects on the environment and the societies of these countries. The rapid pace of technological advances and social change seriously threaten the sustainability of natural assets and ecological processes in these countries, with global consequences. This threat is exacerbated (1) by inadequate capability in these tropical countries to manage degradations in natural resources and the environment arising from technological interventions affecting large-scale ecological processes; and (2) by the coincidence of down-turns in long-term cycles of unequal amplitudes, which concern elitism and administrations, dependency on fossil fuels for industrialisation and shifts in cultural periods, all of which threaten the global structure and continuity of prevailing social institutions, Both phenomena endanger the prospects for international investments in the transformation of natural resources and management of the environment for sustainable livelihoods, especially in developing countries. most tropical countries have developing economies, and have inadequate capacity to manage the impacts and trade-offs of technological insertions largely because of financial constraints, poor technical expertise and the international character of their economies. In spite of harsh socio-biological, technological and financial constraints, there is a pressing need for investing in human expertise in tropical countries because of their effects on the sustainability of global climate, resource and environmental heritage, cultural heritage and societal organisation. Assurance of this sustainability demands that investments in tropical countries must be founded on traditional knowledge, organisation and community participation; on comparative advantages in terms of resource endowments and technological skills; on strategies and actions promoting innovative futures; on the strengthening of institutional capacities for assessing impacts and trade-offs; on a universally-acceptable system for exchanging experiences about technological insertions with reference to spatial areas, levels of sophistication, assessment of impacts and standards; and on the attraction of various forms of international cooperation at professional, governmental and non-governmental levels, which has been recommended by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Bruntland Commission). This overall challenge for international development in the tropics amounts to advancing macro-ecological and-economic sciences of large-scale processes having local impacts, andvice versa, involving the dynamic interactions between culture and philosophy, politics, investment (economics), society, technology and environment at different spatial and temporal scales.

The new Mission of Agricultural Research and Extension in West-African Agriculture

Abstract: Recent evaluations of rural development projects in Africa revealed a disappointingly low degree of adoption of the proposed messages or technology packages. This apparent ineffectiveness of the conventional agricultural research and extension system is due to the lack of innovations adapted to specific constraints of the different farming systems of resource-poor farmers, as well as to outmoded concepts of rural development. To overcome this bottleneck the authors propose new roles for agricultural research and extension in Africa: the search for viable innovations should not be left to conventional agricultural research alone. The latter should focus on the development of sustainable strategies, answering those problems (macro-economic, social, ecologic) which would be neglected, if one merely attempted to meet short-term individual interests. Indigenous agricultural systems of knowledge would have to be revitalized as well. One of the main tasks of research and extension services should be to support farmers' experimentation in providing viable options, limiting risk, and analysing and developing indigenous knowledge. The communication of solutions should be left to more efficient external channels, either of the peasantry itself or of professional organizations.

Farmers' Practices and Soil and Water Conservation Programs Summary Proceedings of a Workshop 19-21Jun 1991

Abstract: Researchers, government and NGO officials, and farmers met to discuss and document indigenous soil and water conservation (SWC) practices and to share experiences of participatory SWC programs. Recommendations were made for changes intended to bring more flexibility, relevance, financial viability, and adaptability into SWC programs, and to introduce indigenous knowledge and participatory methodologies into education curricula.

Demystifying design: the information needs of non-professional designers

Abstract: Everybody is a designer, or at least has a right to be involved as an active participant in the design of the world around them. Information needed for successful design includes both ‘expertise’, and also, information from people themselves, about themselves and their localities. Professionals, who may regard expertise as their exclusive property, tend sometimes to neglect this second category of information; non-professionals who engage in design are familiar with their own requirements but may need more technical information than is readily available to them. Those professional designers who interpret their role as one of facilitating participation in design, will willingly share their expertise while at the same time appreciating the value of the information and skills which non-professionals can contribute. Libraries, and other information agencies, can also help to make both categories of information available to professionals and non-professionals alike. In a global context, there is a need for indigenous knowledge and traditions to be recognised and respected by ‘experts’ from those countries in which professional specialisms are highly developed, and by the growing design professions in developing countries themselves.