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Editorial
Problem solving: a
local perspective by Hilde Van Vlaenderen
In situations of socioeconomic change, development relies largely on the
generation of problem solving strategies. Development programmes should
therefore be based on local understanding of the notion ‘problem solving’
and on indigenous problem solving skills. This article presents the results of a
study focusing on people from rural towns in the Eastern Cape region of South
Africa.
The effect of the fermentation period
on palm oil production in Eastern Nigeria, using traditional methods by
E.U.U. Ituen and I.V.O. Modo
In Nigeria most of the palm oil is produced by traditional methods. The three
common methods of oil palm fruit processing differ mainly at the extraction
level. All three involve the fermentation of the fruit before processing. A
study was carried out to measure the effect of varying periods of fermentation
on both the quantity and the quality of the oil. The results indicate that under
the given circumstances the best results are obtained by three days of
fermentation in combination with the use of the screw press.
Women and dryland
post-harvesting practices in Tamil Nadu, India by
S. Parvathi, K. Chandrakandan and C. Karthikeyan
In India, dryland agriculture is an important source of livelihood. However, as
the production is seasonal, it is of the utmost importance to store grains
safely after harvesting. Research into post-harvest practices in Tamil Nadu,
India, has revealed that these activities are largely the responsibility of the
women. For this reason, the authors recommend that the local women be consulted
when new post-harvest techniques are being devised, in order to ensure their
sustainability.
Focus on: Local knowledge of traders by René
Veron
Traders, farmers and mango development projects in Kerala, India
I have noticed that those involved in development projects involving commercial
farming are beginning to realize that the knowledge of farmers is of
considerable value. However, the knowledge of traders is still largely
neglected. Apparently the notion of the 'exploitative trader' continues to
prevail, so that they are largely bypassed by development programmes. And yet
traders often act as a link between local farmers and outside organizations,
while they have considerable useful information on marketing and prices, as well
as on new technologies, both those developed in research stations or private
nurseries, and trials conducted by farmers. I have taken a closer look at mango
cultivation in two villages in Kerala, India, and I would like to share my
experiences there.
Review: Modelling and indigenous knowledge
by Wolfgang Bayer
Reality in its full complexity can never be fully understood. All of us
create our own images or models of reality. Holders of indigenous knowledge
(IK) make their own models in their minds. And when research scientists
conduct studies or experiments, they formulate hypotheses and construct
formal models (thought models, flow diagrams, mathematical models of various
kinds, etc.). I was asked to review recent publications on modelling of 1)
the dynamics of agricultural development and 2) vegetation dynamics in
semi-arid grazing systems. I found both books to be quite interesting but
could see little relationship with IK. After discussion with the journal
editor, we agreed that I would review the books only briefly and would add
some general comments on the usefulness of scientific modelling for farmers
and development workers.
Guest column by Zerubabel Mijumbi
Nyiira
Indigenous knowledge for sustainable development:
National Strategy and Framework of Action
Dr Z.M. Nyiira is a biologist and researcher in insect
science. He is the Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Council for
Science and Technology (UNCST) and National Coordinator for the Acacia
National Programme. He is also the Coordinator of the Programme on the
Development of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development and Chairman
of the Committee on Natural Resources, Science and Technology of the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA).
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Indigenous Knowledge
IKDM 8-1 as PDF file 
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