Call for information

How to compare traditional and 'Western' health systems.
While preparing the field research for my Ph.D. study of indigenous health systems among the Borana community in Southern Ethiopia, which started in January 1997, I became aware of the fact that most 'Western' approaches to development have overlooked or ignored indigenous people's knowledge. This is especially true in relation to health. Most foreign aid goes to promoting Western approaches to health despite the fact, reported by WHO, that 90% of the medicine practised in Africa is traditional. I am seeking advice from people who have carried out similar studies. As my study will focus on health-related indigenous knowledge, I am particularly interested in methods for comparing traditional health systems and 'Western' health systems. Is there any overlap between the two systems? Any advice on what is the best approach or methodology would be most welcome. The objective of my study is to develop a methodology for identifying the coping strategies and customary methods of helping each other which, if understood, could be the basis for achieving the more effective participation of local people in development strategies. I will first identify relevant indigenous knowledge systems and the customs by which people have traditionally helped each other to become more self-reliant. Through a trial project, I will then try to develop an approach to participatory development which makes sensitive use of appropriate indigenous knowledge systems developed by the community. My other objective is to develop guidelines and make recommendations regarding the practical application of the model I intend to develop. Any suggestions are welcome. Please contact: Eamonn Brehony, CONCERN, PO Box 2434, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Tel: +251-1-611730/610729.

Crop protection in the traditional farming systems of the South Pacific region.
A programme of research to document indigenous knowledge and methods of crop protection in the South Pacific region is being planned by the School of Agriculture, of the University of the South Pacific, in Alafua, Western Samoa. Although a considerable amount of information has been published on traditional farming systems in the South Pacific region, this information contains very little detail about indigenous methods of crop protection. Authors acknowledge that production is increased by indigenous practices that control pests and limit the damage they cause, but up to now little of this knowledge appears to have been documented. The research programme will cover various aspects of indigenous pest control, including:

By documenting such knowledge and practices, the programme should provide a valuable resource for workers in the region who aim to develop sustainable pest-management programmes. The researchers welcome hearing from anyone who can provide information, observations, research data or relevant literature on the above topics. Please contact: Dr. Danny Hunter, Lecturer in Plant Protection, School of Agriculture, The University of the South Pacific, Alufa Campus, Provate Mail Bag, Apia, Western Samoa. Tel: +685-21671, Fax: +685-22933. E-mail: alafua@elele.peacesat.hawaii.edu

National Academy for Environment, Population and Development (Nepal)
The National Academy for Environment, Population and Development (NAECAN) is a Nepalese NGO which has been working in the field of biodiversity and the conservation of plant species used in herbal medicine, and in the application of indigenous knowledge to natural resource management and social forestry. NAECON is working to advance the cause of sustainable development through the appropriate management of environmental resources, as well as through poverty alleviation, community empowerment activities, and development strategies that use an integrated community approach based on participation. The organization has a large number of experts at its disposal, who range from environmentalists and demographers to journalists and human rights activists. NAECAN would like to extend the scope of its activities and welcomes suggestions for collaboration and partnerships with other organizations. Please contact: NAECAN, PO Box 5284, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: +977-1-477208/422430, Fax: +977-1-220161. E-mail: naecan@casnov.attmail.com

Linking ethnoveterinary medicine and modern medicine
Transmara Western Group (TMWG) of Kenya is a small, private, volunteer, self-help team of livestock experts, social scientists and traditional healers in the Transmara and Bomet districts of Kenya.
At the moment, TMWG is working to identify plants yielding extracts which effectively combat the parasitic Theileria-parva micro-organisms. The project is a search for local solutions, since modern (Western) medicines are either unavailable or too expensive for local livestock farmers in Africa. Therefore TMWG would like to make contact with experts who have had experience linking traditional and modern methods for treating specific diseases in livestock. We are especially interested in theileriasis (East Coast Fever) in the tropics.
TMWG is also gathering ethnomedical data in order to make an ethnomedical profile, a pharmacological profile and a phyto-chemical profile. TMWG's experts would like to collaborate with interested scientists, researchers, and local medical institutions. Please contact: TMWG, Dr P.G. Ondieki (Veterinary scientist), N.F. Omondi (Veterinary Technologist), PO Box 16, Kilgoris, Kenya. Tel. +254-306-22006. Michael Omondi (Social scientist), Nyanga Samwel (Livestock Officer), PO Box 242, Suna-Migori, Kenya.

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