IK Monitor Editorial (7-2)

Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor, July 1999

Contents IK Monitor (7-2) | IKDM Homepage | Suggestions to: ikdm@nuffic.nl | © copyright Nuffic-CIRAN and contributors 1999.

Editorial

'For the fun of it' is the title of the guest column in this issue of the Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor (see column), in which Louk Box explains why he enjoys researching the activities of innovative cultivators all over the world. The playful mind set displayed by these people could well help many of us to rise above the daily strains and stresses, and discover our own innovative ways to enjoy just being alive. Innovation is also the key word in the contribution from Ethiopia in the 'Focus on' feature: Dynamics in indigenous knowledge -innovations in land husbandry as part of the Indigenous Soil and Water Conservation Programme (see 'Focus on'). Each of the three main articles in this issue likewise deals with one particular aspect of innovation. The opening article, by Enzinna Enwereji, demonstrates that even those who entertain 'hard views' with regard to the cause, spread and treatment of tuberculosis are prepared to adopt a simple yet effective measure: disposing of the inevitable sputum in a hygienic way (see article). The subject dealt with in the article on the traditional use and sale of animals as medicines is a new one for this journal, discussing an aspect of indigenous health care that is seldom publicized. Author Eraldo Medeiros Costa Neto from Brazil was aided by an enthusiastic group of students at Feira de Santana State University (see article). The third article, on indigenous knowledge of miombo trees in Morogoro, Tanzania, is also innovative for its conclusion that one cannot rely solely on indigenous knowledge if the community is to be involved in conserving the biodiversity of the miombo woodlands. This article, by E. Munyanziza and K.F. Wiersum, presents the results of a survey focusing on the dynamics and limitations of the local knowledge of trees (see article).

We would also like to inform you briefly of some recent developments. At Nuffic-CIRAN, we are engaged in a long-term trajectory designed to analyze the aims and activities of the global network for IK and development. This trajectory was launched at a brainstorming session held in Scheveningen, the Netherlands, 9-10 December 1998. One conclusion reached in Scheveningen was that not only the actors are changing but the entire field of operations. This calls for a reorientation of means, manpower and techniques. When the Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor was founded in 1993, it was intended as 'a platform for debate on the concept of indigenous knowledge in a variety of disciplines' (see Focus IK&DM). And in the past the Monitor has most certainly fulfilled that function. We need only mention the fascinating discussion on scientific versus indigenous knowledge that was sparked off by a contribution from Arun Agrawal in the December 1995 issue. When the ensuing debate was concluded in the December 1996 issue, we were still receiving the occasional reaction. That year-long debate contrasted sharply with the speed of the electronic discussions which were carried on then and are still continuing in such forums as INDKNOW, IHN-List, and Devel-L. These developments are just one more indication that there are now information and communications technologies that are far more suited to the international debate than a journal that is published only three times a year. That is not to say that the Monitor is no longer useful: on the contrary. Only a relatively small part of the world has direct access to the electronic debate, so the Monitor will continue to inform the others, who represent the majority of its readership. At the same time, CIRAN and the Monitor face the challenge of catering to those in danger of being swamped by the enormous and ever-increasing load of information. One major task for the journal and for CIRAN could be to filter and select incoming information. In cooperation with the members of the global network for IK and development, CIRAN can enhance the quality of that information. Not more, but better information is what counts.