Indigenous Knowledge and
Development Monitor, July 2001 Indigenous Knowledge and
Development Monitor, July 2001
Contents IK Monitor (9-2) | IKDM Homepage | Suggestions to: ikdm@nuffic.nl | © copyright Nuffic-CIRAN and contributors 2001.
The complete list of addresses of Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centres is updated regularly.
Africa
Burkina Faso
BURCIK
Burkina Faso Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
(Centre Burkinabè de Recherche sur les Pratiques et Savoirs Paysans)
Dr Basga E. Dialla, Director and correspondent
INNS, B.P. 5154, Ouagadougou 02
Burkina Faso
Tel.: +226-360 746.
Fax: +226-315 003.
E-mail: emile_dialla@yahoo.fr
Cameroon
CIKO
Cameroon Indigenous Knowledge Organisation
Prof. C.N. Ngwasiri, Director and correspondent
P.O. Box 8437, Yaoundé
Cameroon
Tel.: +237-318 076.
Fax: +237-318 076.
E-mail: ngwasiri@camnet.cm
Ethiopia
INRESC
Indigenous Resource Study Centre
Dr Tesema Ta'a, Director and correspondent
College of Social Sciences
Addis Ababa University
P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel.: +251-1-550 655.
Fax: +251-1-550 655.
Ghana
CECIK
Centre for Cosmovisions and Indigenous Knowledge
Dr David Millar, Director and correspondent
P.O. Box 607
Bolgatanga
Ghana
Tel.: +233-72-235 00.
Fax: +233-73-235 00.
E-mail: cecik@africaonline.com.gh
(attention Dr David Millar)
GHARCIK
Ghana Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr M. Bonsu, Interim Director and correspondent
School of Agriculture,
University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast
Ghana
Tel.: +233-42-2240-9 / 2480-9.
Telex: 233-42-2552 UCC GH
Kenya
KENRIK
Kenya Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Mr Patrick Maundu, Correspondent
Mr Samuel Mwangi, Correspondent
The National Museums of Kenya
P.O. Box 40658, Nairobi
Kenya
Tel.: +254-2-742 131.
Fax: +254-2-741 424.
E-mail: nmk@museums.or.ke
http://www.museums.or.ke
The Kenya Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (KENRIK) has embarked on a series of activities aimed at forging closer links between research and educational institutions, and communities. The resources available in communities can easily be tapped for the benefit of both the members of the community and researchers and students alike.
In collaboration with the Kenya Society of Ethnoecology, KSE (see Vol 8(3), November 2000) KENRIK has therefore been organizing monthly visits to areas and communities around our capital city, Nairobi, during which a local expert joins with a scientist to lead an event of mutual interest. We have had especially fruitful visits to the Masai communities, our most famous indigenous community. The Masai were originally a pastoral people, but are becoming increasingly agro-pastoral as their lives and support systems are affected by globalization. The world-acclaimed Masai Mara Game Reserve is part of Masai ancestral heritage land and provides opportunities to learn about the Masai code of coexistence with Nature with its in-built conservation ethic. We have had botanists discussing issues with traditional healers and elders of the community, contributing greatly to our understanding and appreciation of indigenous knowledge as a way of life. Of special interest was a visit to the Simba Masai Outreach Organization (SIMOO), which has set up a cultural museum to preserve their cultural and ethnographic collections in order to teach their children and visitors about the Masai way of life. In order to safeguard their rich pharmacopoeia they have planted a garden with plaques detailing the medicinal value of the various trees and shrubs. This is a simple but effective method of documentation and protection. KENRIK and KSE have also started a collaborative project together with the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) with the following three goals:
The project is being implemented in a KENRIK contact area by Kyanika Women's Group, a member group of KSE. The community to which the group belongs, the Kamba, live in an area that combines ideal growing conditions for kitete with a rich cultural knowledge of the varied uses and types. Kitete is a key item of their material culture and is endowed with much symbolic and cultural value. One of the major uses of the plant besides food is as a container for seed and food storage, in addition to other traditional uses. The species is currently endangered, in particular by the increasing use of plastic containers, signifying not just a botanical loss but also an erosion of knowledge threatening the diversity of kitete cultivars. Useful lessons are being learnt by all collaborating on the project, which will be shared during a site visit by the entire KSE membership in August with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Nairobi office.
Madagascar
VOARISOA
Observatoire de l'environnement Madagascar
Ms Marcelline Razafimbelo, President
Alexander von Hildebrand, Correspondent
P.O. Box 80
Antananarivo 101
Madagascar
Fax: +261-20-224 1228.
E-mail: ecotox@dts.mg
http://www.ecotox-mg.com
Nigeria
ARCIK
African Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Prof. D. Olu Ajakaiye, Director ARCIK
Prof. S.O. Titilola, Coordinator
Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER)
PMB 5 - UI Post Office, Ibadan
Nigeria
Tel.: +234-2-810 2904.
Fax: +234-2-810 1194.
E-mail: arcik@niser.org.ng
As part of its research programme for 2001, the African Resource Centre for
Indigenous Knowledge (ARCIK) is currently exploring the scope for an
institute-wide multi-disciplinary study entitled Indigenous Technological
Learning in Nigeria.
The research proposal is expected to explore the theme in relation to several sectors of the Nigerian economy: agriculture, social issues, human resource development, business and technology, and physical development.
The Indigenous Knowledge Resource Centre would like to receive information relevant to any aspect of the study from a broad audience. In addition, enquiries from prospective funding agencies are most welcome.
CIKFIM / FIF
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge in Farm and Infrastructure Management
Dr G.B. Ayoola, Director and correspondent
Centre for Food and Agricultural Strategy
University of Agriculture
Private Mail Bag 2373, Makurdi
Nigeria
Tel.: +234-44-533 204 / 533 205.
Fax: +234-44-534 040.
E-mail: dragbede@gacom.net
CIKPREM
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge on Population Resource and Environmental
Management
Prof. D.S. Obikeze, Director and correspondent
Dept. of Sociology and Anthropology
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Nigeria
Tel.: +234-42-770 172; 042-771 911 / 78.
E-mail: epseelon@aol.com
NIRCIK
Nigerian Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr J.O. Olukosi, Coordinator and correspondent
Institute for Agricultural Research
Ahmadu Bello University
PMB 1044, Zaria
Nigeria
Tel.: +234-69-50 571-4 Ext. 4322.
Fax: +234-69-50 891 / 50 563.
YORCIK
Yoruba Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Professor Layi Egunjobi, Coordinator
Dr Bolanle Wahab, Correspondent
Centre for Urban and Regional Planning
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria
E-mail: egunjobi.wahab@ibadan.skannet.com
Please note that the mailing address for YORCIK correspondent Dr Bolanle
Wahab is P.O. Box 22182, U.I. Post Office, Ibadan, Nigeria.
E-mail: wahab@mail.skannet.com
Sierra Leone
CIKFAB
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Fourah Bay College
Dr Dominic T. Ashley, Director and correspondent
Department of Sociology, Fourah Bay College
University of Sierra Leone, Freetown
Sierra Leone
Tel.: +232-22-7387.
South Africa
SARCIK
South African Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Alwyn Dippenaar, Executive Director and correspondent
The Institute for Indigenous Theory and Practice
P.O. Box 2355, Somerset West
7129 South Africa
Tel.: +27-21-854 3299.
E-mail: alewijn@iafrica.com
Tanzania
MARECIK-tz
Maasai Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr Nathan Ole Lengisugi, Correspondent
Simanjiro Animal Husbandry Vocational Training Centre (AHVTC)
P.O. Box 14288
Total Building, India Road
Arusha
Tanzania
Tel.: +255-57-4229 / 8559.
Fax: +255-57-4229.
mobile 0811 510 229.
E-mail: multicho@habari.co.tz
Zimbabwe
ZIRCIK
Zimbabwe Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Mr Washington Chipfunde, Director and contact person
78 Kaguvi Street, New Book House
P.O.B. 4209, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel.: +263-4-781 770 / 1.
Fax: +263-4-751 202.
E-mail: bookhous@ZBMT.icon.co.zw
Asia
Bangladesh
BARCIK
Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Sukanta Sen, Director and correspondent
3/7 Block D. Lalmatia
Dhaka-1207
Bangladesh
Tel.: +880-2-91 323 72.
Fax: +880-2-91 256 81.
E-mail: iard@bdonline.com
BARCIK has published a special issue of its quarterly journal Grassroots Voice focusing on fisheries and aquatic resources, available from BARCIK. Yearly subscription rate: USD20 (4 issues); single issue: USD5. Alongside the English-language journal, BARCIK recently started publishing a bulletin in Bengali for readers at grassroots level entitled Trinamul Uddyog. Both language versions contain articles on indigenous knowledge and local practices.
BARCIK recently concluded an agreement with UNESCO on developing a training manual and a country-wide trainers team on indigenous knowledge and sustainable livelihoods. The aim is to create awareness among NGOs, CBOs, and academic and research institutions that they can work towards the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in sustainable livelihood practices. The trainers will work as local IK volunteers. BARCIK is developing the manual and would be grateful to receive relevant material from other centres or from individuals.
The resource centre has also introduced a research fellowship programme for postgraduate Bangladeshi students to encourage them to conduct their field research on indigenous knowledge and local practices. Ten fellows have already conducted research and the resource centre is compiling the reports. BARCIK needs support and sponsorship in order to be able to continue the fellowship programme. It is also interested in setting up a research exchange and link programme on indigenous knowledge together with academic and research institutions.
For more information on Grassroots Voice and other BARCIK publications, contact Sukanta Sen at the above address.
China
CBIK
Dr Hermann J. Tillmann
Floor 3 Building A Zhonghuandasha
Yanjiadi
Kunming 650034
PR China
Tel: +86-871-412 3519
E-mail: cbik03@public.km.yn.cn
http://www.cbik.org or http://www.cbik.ac.cn
CBIK is a welcome extension to the IK network of resource centres in the Indigenous Knowledge Information System. The centre focuses on biodiversity and indigenous knowledge and is now engaged in a process of strategic planning from April until September 2001. After 6 years of existence as an institution, we have entered a phase of reflection on previous experiences in the field, trying to define our vision and mission for the next ten years and applying the principles of the Yunnan Initiative to our forthcoming 5-Year Work Plan.
CBIK is establishing three field-oriented programmes. First, the watershed and ecosystems programme, looking at the dynamics of natural, cultural, social and political conditions along the Mekong river in Yunnan; second, the indigenous and rural livelihoods programme, supporting local ethnic minority communities in Southwest China to improve living conditions and natural resource management in their areas; and third, the indigenous knowledge and biodiversity programme, which focuses on the knowledge of indigenous specialists belonging to the different ethnic cultures present in Yunnan. In this programme we will cooperate with local institutions and work in 7 pilot communities with 7 different ethnic groups such as the Yao, Miao, Hani, Yi, Zang (Tibetan), Naxi and Lisu over the next three years.
We also intend to enhance the operation of three support programmes:
Strategic planning will continue with the elaboration of a strategic plan, its application to the draft work plan for the next five years and discussions with our international board in mid-August in Yunnan. See our progress at http://www.cbik.org or http://www.cbik.ac.cn.
Maruja Salas, a CBIK staff member, is finishing the forthcoming manual on indigenous knowledge and participatory technology development (PTD) in South West China, which will provide a practical guide for community facilitators in supporting indigenous knowledge and local innovators, providing concepts, methods, tools, ethical rules and tips as well as case studies from Yunnan.
In coordination with Chiang Mai University, CBIK is designing a training sequence for intercultural facilitators from Southeast Asia, which addresses the need to improve the skills needed for organizing and facilitating training events, community development work and enhancement of indigenous knowledge. The two training events will be organized in Northern Thailand and in Yunnan (October 2001 and March 2002). Participants should take part in two training workshops and commit to field activities after the first training course in their own areas. Trainees should come from organizations in Southeast Asia. Details are available to interested organizations and individuals from Wang Yu at cbik03@public.km.yn.cn
As fruitful events require time for preparation, we would like to invite you to join a process of collective thinking on the planning and design of the III MMSEA Conference, to be held in Kunming in August 2002. During the II MMSEA organized in July 2000 in Chiang Mai, we decided to hold the III MMSEA in Yunnan, China and CBIK was asked to organize the event. We have discussed the concept for the III MMSEA with the II MMSEA organizers in Chiang Mai and now have some initial ideas about next year's Conference, which will take place during International Mountain Year, and the Year of Eco-Tourism. Please send your suggestions, comments and constructive ideas to us at xujc97@public.km.yn.cn. We will open up a mailing list (e-mail) for people interested in the results of the forthcoming consultations on the III MMSEA, and allocate a dedicated space on our web-site to access communications and documents (http://www.cbik.org or http://www.cbik.ac.cn).
Finally, CBIK has moved into a new office that has more space and is better designed. By using local materials in our bamboo floors, hemp curtains, wood furniture and native plant decorations we hope to have created both a functional space and an example of the use of indigenous knowledge in modern office design. The premises include an administrative office, work space for researchers and development workers, a training area, an exhibition room, documentation and library services, a multimedia production centre and intranet facilities.
India
CARIKS
Centre for Advanced Research on Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Dr Jan Brouwer, Director
Ms S.L. Meenu, Correspondent
P.O. Box 1, Saraswathipuram
Mysore - 570 009
India
Tel.: +91-821-542 467.
Fax: +91-821-542 459.
E-mail: ikdfcar@eth.net
http://iias.leidenuniv.nl/host/ccrss/cariks.htm
CIKIB
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge on Indian Bioresources
Institute of Ethnobiology
C/o Dr S.K. Jain, Director and correspondent)
A-26 Mall Avenue Colony
Lucknow - 226 001
India
Tel.: +91-522-224 556.
Fax: +91-522-205 836 / 205 839.
E-mail: nbri@lw1.vsnl.net.in
The use (or misuse) of the prefix 'ethno'
After a long debate over past few decades, the definition of the word
ethnobotany has now almost stabilized. Though still surrounded by considerable
fuzz, the core theme is the indigenous or traditional nature of human-plant
relations.
However, many instances of misapplication of the prefix 'ethno' are coming to light. 'Ethnogastrology' would be appropriate if the food habits or preferences of an indigenous people were being discussed, but not as the title of a paper based entirely on a nutritional analysis of an ethnic recipe carried out in a laboratory. A good example of 'ethnochemistry' was the knowledge and practice among the Brazilian Coratire Kayapo of managing and using soil nutrients in swidden sites as described by Hecht and Posey (1989). The title 'ethnopharmacology' is widely used, but rarely to describe indigenous or traditional methods of experimentation or the patient statistics of native healers. Most papers describe sophisticated laboratory analysis of the biological activity of some drug originating from ethnomedicine.
The same is the case with 'ethnopharmacognosy'. We have yet to read papers describing the methods or tools with which local healers distinguish one powdered raw drug from another, or one extract from another. Hypothetically, almost all the plants on the earth have been used, are being used, or will be used in healing, in most cases initially by indigenous peoples. All future laboratory research on their chemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology or pharmacokinetics cannot and should not have the prefix 'ethno'.
What do other scientists dealing with IK/TK think about this?
CIKIHR
Centre for Indigenous Knowledge of Indian Herbal Resources
Dr N.C. Shah, Coordinator and correspondent
MS-78, Sector-D, Aliganj,
Lucknow - 226 024
India
Tel.: +91-522-326 489.
Fax: +91-522-326 489.
E-mail: ncshah@sancharnet.in
The Directorate of Environment of the Government of Uttar Pradesh organized a debate on the theme The Population and the Environment and selected students from various schools to participate in the competition. Dr N.C. Shah of CIKIHR was invited to act as one of the judges to select the best three students. The main purpose of the debate was to increase awareness of the changing environment. It was encouraging to realise that even the students from rural areas knew the main causes of environmental depletion.
On 19 March CIKIHR was invited to give a lecture during a training course on ethnobotanical surveys and medicinal plants organized by the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. In his lecture Dr. Shah emphasized that in its true sense ethnobotany is nothing more than the knowledge of the various uses of locally growing plants that sustains the lives of ethnic peoples or communities and has been acquired through tradition and culture.
On 23 March, Dr Shah attended in his capacity as founder/secretary the award of the Harshberger Medal to Dr Pushpangadan, director of the National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, for his work in the field of ethnobotany. Dr Pushpangadan was the first botanist to fight for intellectual property rights for the Kani tribes of South India, who have traditionally used Trichopus zelaynicus (or sanjvini) to restore health and vigour. He developed a formulation possessing excellent anti-fatigue, immune-enhancing and adaptogenic properties. In 1995 the drug was released for commercial production by a South Indian pharmaceutical firm. Dr Pushpangadan agreed to a licence fee and royalties on a 1:1 basis. This agreement duly recompensed the tribal community for its intellectual property right over its indigenous medicine.
On 26 March, CIKIHR was present at a training course for the rural women project staff on organic cultivation of highly valued medicinal plants at the National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. Dr Shah touched on the salient aspects of organic cultivation, including its definition as an indigenous agricultural practice that minimises soil erosion, preserves and maintains agro-biodiversity and ecological diversity.
Indonesia
INRIK
Indonesian Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge
Professor Kusnaka Adimihardja, Director and correspondent
Padjadjaran University
Room K-3, JI. Dipatiukur No. 35
Bandung 40132
West Java, Indonesia
Tel.: +62-22-2508 592.
Fax: +62-22-2508 592.
E-mail: inrik@melsa.net.id
http://www.melsa.net.id/~inrik
The five former INRIK staff members who were erroneously reported in the March 2001 edition as all having 'officially left to take up challenging new jobs outside Java', would like to inform readers that they have not taken up new jobs outside Java (except for one person), but have left INRIK because of serious management problems within the centre.
The Philippines
PHIRCSDIK
Philippine Resource Center for Sustainable Development and Indigenous Knowledge
Dr Rogelio C. Serrano, National Coordinator and correspondent
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCARRD)
Paseo de Valmayor
P.O. Box 425, Los Banos, Laguna
The Philippines
Tel.: +63-94-500 15 to 500 20.
Fax: +63-94-536-0132 / 0016.
Email: rserrano@ultra.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph
IIRR
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR)
Silang, Cavite 4118
The Philippines
Tel.: +63-969-9451 or +63-2-582 659.
Fax: +63-2-522 2494.
E-mail: iirr@phil.gn.apc.org
http://www.cav.pworld.net.ph/~iirr/
Sri Lanka
SLARCIK
Sri Lanka Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr D.M.S.K. Ranasinghe, Director
University of Sri Jayewardenapura
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Tel.: +94-1-854 685.
Fax: +94-1-437 879.
E-mail: hemanthi@lgo.lk
Europe
Greece
ELLRIK
Elliniko Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr C. Lionis, Coordinator and correspondent
Medical School, Department of Social Medicine
University of Crete
P.O. Box 1393
Heraklion, Crete
Greece
Tel.: +30-81-394 621.
Fax: +30-81-394 606.
E-mail: lionis@med.uoc.gr
The Netherlands
CIRAN
Centre for International Research and Advisory Networks
Mr G.W. von Liebenstein, Director
Nuffic-CIRAN
P.O. Box 29777, 2502 LT The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31-70-426 0321.
Fax: +31-70-426 0329.
E-mail: ciran@nuffic.nl
ikdm@nuffic.nl
http://www.nuffic.nl/ciran/index.html
A decade ago Nuffic-CIRAN joined the global network of development professionals and scientists with a common interest in the use of indigenous knowledge in the development enterprise. IK was considered to be the largest untapped knowledge source, since there was no substantial body of information about it. An IK information system was developed in 1992 as the follow-up to the international conference on Indigenous knowledge and sustainable development held in Silang, Cavite, the Philippines.
Nuffic-CIRAN started the publication of the Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor in February 1993 with the aim of facilitating the exchange of IK information between all those who have a professional interest in its application. As you may have read in this issue's Editorial, we will evaluate the impact and relevance of the IKDM in order to gear the content of the Journal more closely to the needs of its readers.
Another contribution Nuffic-CIRAN has made to improving access to IK information is the development of an Indigenous Knowledge Information System with its IK pages, a gateway to IK information on the Internet, including a search facility (http://www.nuffic.nl/ik-pages/).
Through its involvement in IK-information management, Nuffic-CIRAN has increased its expertise as a knowledge broker linking indigenous knowledge sources worldwide. Its reputation led to a request from the World Bank for Nuffic-CIRAN to act, in partnership with the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST), as the topic guide for the IK page of the Global Development Gateway (GDG). GDG is a World Bank initiative aiming to help communities, organizations and individuals to build partnerships, share ideas and work together to reduce poverty.
The main role of UNCST and Nuffic-CIRAN as topic guides is to gather, discuss and present information on the Indigenous Knowledge Web page based on their best judgement. In April the director of Nuffic-CIRAN visited the World Bank in Washington DC and agreed a 'statement of work' with GDG staff. Initial results can now be accessed on the IK page (http://gateway.arsdigita.com/topic/?page_id=3677). Together with UNCST, we now invite contributions for inclusion on the GDG website.
For an update on joint activities with UNESCO, Nuffic-CIRAN policy advisor Ms Karen Bakhuisen visited UNESCO headquarters in Paris in April. She discussed the follow-up to the IK Best Practices Project with the staff of the MOST programme, and the follow-up to the workshop held in Uganda (October 2000) on the incorporation of IK in the activities of the Nakaseke (Uganda) Multipurpose Communication Telecentre with the staff of the Information and Informatics Division. As soon as new developments on these projects (see also the CIRAN section in vol. 9, issue 1, March 2001) can be reported, they will be published on the IK pages of the Nuffic-CIRAN website (http://www.nuffic.nl/ik-pages/index.html).
Another UNESCO-related activity is the Indigenous Knowledge and Water Interactions Project, to be sponsored by UNESCO's Participation Programme. Its aim is to identify and describe 15 best practices in the area of natural resources management, with particular emphasis on indigenous knowledge systems and water management practices. Nuffic-CIRAN has been informed by the Dutch UNESCO committee that the project can go ahead. We will keep you informed of the procedure for submitting cases for consideration as best practices.
As you may have noticed this issue was edited by Ms Madelinde Winnubst, who temporarily replaces Ms Anna van Marrewijk, who was involved in a serious road accident. Fortunately, Anna is recovering well and her return to the office is expected soon. On behalf of all our readers we wish Anna a speedy recovery and hope that she will resume her editorial work as soon as possible. I would also take this opportunity to thank Madelinde for the wonderful job she did enabling us to publish the July 2001 issue without delay or loss of quality.
LEAD
Leiden Ethnosystems And Development Programme
Professor L. Jan Slikkerveer, Director
Ms Diana Bosch, M.A., Correspondent
Institute of Cultural and Social Studies
Leiden University
P.O. Box 9555
2300 RB Leiden
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31-71-527 3469 / 3403.
Fax: +31-71-527 3619.
E-mail: bosch@fsw.leidenUniv.nl
Last October, Professor Dr L.J. Slikkerveer was invited to contribute to the Pre-Conference Seminar on 'Innovative Wisdom: The impact of traditional knowledge on science, conservation and development' organized by Gary J. Martin, director of The Global Diversity Foundation in association with the 7th International Congress of Ethnobiology (ICE) with support from the Howard Gilman Foundation, UNESCO and IPGRI at White Oak Plantation Conference Center, Yulee, Florida.
Since the objective of the seminar was to react on the ongoing controversy about the relationship between local knowledge systems and global science, initiated by the Royal Society of the United Kingdom and the United States National Academy of Sciences which both had questioned two important documents - the 'Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge' and the 'Science Agenda-Framework for Action' adopted by the Budapest 'World Conference on Science for the Twenty-First Century: A New Commitment' - Prof. Slikkerveer made a strong plea for the advancement of the refined research methodology in quantitative ethnobotany. Proceedings of the Seminar will be published in due course by Earthscan.
From May 7-11 2001, for the second time the intensive International Course on Ethnobotanical Knowledge Systems (EKS) was organised by Professor Slikkerveer at the Leiden University Branch of the National Herbarium of The Netherlands. The course was well attended by 16 participants of 8 nationalities with different academic backgrounds, and included lectures, tutorials, an excursion to Dr Alfred Vogel's herbal gardens at Biohorma in Elburg, and individual presentations and a term paper. All participants completed the course successfully to be granted the course certificate. Professor Dr H.M. Rusli Ngatimin, MPH joined the LEAD programme as a Visiting Professor from April until June 2001. As a medical professional interested in health development in rural areas from the local people's point of view and from a bio-medical perspective, Professor Rusli wants to further study and understand indigenous ecological knowledge systems in relation to herbal medicine. Currently, he is preparing a joint research project with the LEAD Programme on this subject in Kalimantan, Indonesia. In this project, special attention is also given to the perceptions of local people with regard to health problems, the use of herbal medicine (jamu), and their daily life experiences.
In May, Professor Slikkerveer participated in both the Pre-Conference Seminar on 'Science & Indigenous Knowledge', organised by Professor Wesley Shrum PhD of the Department of Sociology at Louisiana State University and the Conference 'Building Bridges with Traditional Knowledge II' - An International Summit meeting on Issues Involving Indigenous Peoples, Conservation, Sustainable Development and Ethno science which took place from May 28 - June 1, 2001, in Honolulu, Hawaii. (For a short report on both major events, see Conferences).
Meanwhile, Mrs Alfreda Ibui MA from the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, who worked at LEAD 2001 as a Visiting Research Fellow on her palaeo-ethnobotanical study in Kenya from January until May left for Kenya in order to conduct her fieldwork. Since May 2001, Mr M. Chirangi from Tanzania has become a Honorary Guest Member of LEAD, working on his PhD Research in medical anthropology. Mr Chirangi is particularly interested in the factors related to the process of incorporation of traditional medical practitioners in Health Reform strategies in East Africa.
Latin America
Brazil
BRARCIK
Brazilian Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr A.J. Cancian, Director and correspondent
UNESP, Dept. Biologia
14870.000 Jaboticabal, SP
Brazil
Tel.: +55-163-232 500.
Fax: +55-163-224 275.
E-mail: brarcik@jab000.unesp.ansp.br
Mexico
RIDSCA
Mexican Research, Teaching and Service Network on Indigenous Knowledge
(Red de Investigacion, Docencia y Servicio en Conocimientos Autoctonos)
Dr Antonio Macías-López, Coordinator and correspondent
Colegio de Postgraduados
Campus Puebla
Apartado Postal l-12
C.P. 72130
Col. La Libertad, Puebla, Pue.
Mexico
Tel.: +52-22-851 442 / 851 448 / 851 447.
Fax: +52-22-851 444.
E-mail: mantonio@colpos.colpos.mx
Urugay
URURCIK
Uruguayan Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge
Pedro de Hegedüs, Coordinator (Correspondent)
CEDESUR
Casilla de Correo 20.201
Codigo Postal 12.900, Montevideo
Uruguay
Tel.: +5-982-308 1603.
Fax: +5-982-308 1603.
E-mail: phegedus@adinet.com.uy
Venezuela
VERSIK
Venezuelan Resource Secretariat for Indigenous Knowledge
Dr Consuelo Quiroz, Coordinator and correspondent
Centre for Tropical Alternative Agriculture and Sustainable Development (CATADI)
University of The Andes, Núcleo 'Rafael Range'
Apartado Postal # 22
Trujillo 3102, Estado Trujillo
Venezuela
Tel.: +58-72-360 467.
Mobile +58-0166-721 152.
Fax: +58-72-360 467.
E-mail: consuelo@cantv.net
The projects mentioned in earlier issues of the Monitor are still continuing at CATADI (centre) and FUNDATADI (foundation). These include the Educational and Local Development Project (UNIR), financed by the University of The Andes and the Kellogg Foundation, the project on biodiversity conservation of food plants, coordinated by IPGRI and financed by the German institution IPK, and the project on local knowledge about traditional food plants, financed by the National Council for Technical and Scientific Research (CONICIT). VERSIK continues to urge postgraduate students from anywhere in the world to come and do thesis research as part of these projects. Students are invited to contact Dr Quiroz for more information. They must be proficient in Spanish.
Middle East
Iran
RRC
Rural Research Centre Iran
Dr Mohammed H. Emadi, Head
Esfandaiar Abbassi, Correspondent
Ministry of Jihad
P.O. Box 14155-6197
Teheran, Iran
Tel.: +99-11-889 7197.
Fax: +99-11-889 1942.
E-mail: rrciri@neda.net
During the International Seminar on Environment, Religion and Culture, held in Teheran on 18-20 June 2001, RRC presented a paper on the traditional cultural values and social mores that have historically made possible the flourishing of a vast multitude of green and bountiful villages across the arid and semi-arid Iranian landscape. The basic material for this paper was oral literature, including proverbs and local tales from the Khorhe area and from young researchers living in villages of central Iran. Indigenous knowledge systems and the associated local work practices, social organizations and technologies were also analysed in order to arrive at a better understanding of the value system underlying environmentally enhancing local development in such a resource-poor and vulnerable ecological setting. Finally, the paper made a number of suggestions regarding institutional arrangements and policy improvements. The seminar was an international gathering of religious and conservation leaders from around the world. It was sponsored by UNEP and Iran's Department of the Environment.On 1 June 2001 Dr M. Kalim Qamar, senior officer in FAO's Research, Extension and Training Division, visited RSIS. Dr Qamar had visited Khorhe to offer information and advice about the different approaches to rural development that have been adopted in Iran. He was also briefed on the local research and extension strategy and techniques RSIS has been using in Khorhe, and he met some of the local people who have benefited from IK-based entrepreneurial initiatives. Dr Qamar visited the workshop of a local weaver who has pioneerd the revival of ancient rug designs of the Khorhe area. At the end of his visit Dr Qamar described Khorhe's local development as a successful example of how effective rural extension can be if it involves and encourages local people's participation in every way.
RSIS
Rural Station for Indigenous Studies
P.O. Box 37815/36
Mahallat, Markazi Province, Iran
Tel.: +98-866 335-3207.
Fax: +98-866 335-3207.
E-mail: rrciri@neda.net
North America
Canada
CTK
Centre for Traditional Knowledge
Canadian Museum of Nature
Lynda Kitchikeesic Juden, Executive director
P.O. Box 3443
Station D
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1P 6P4
Tel.: +1-613-566 4751.
Fax: +1-613-566 4748.
E-mail: LKitchikeesic@mus-nature.ca
United States of America
CIKARD
Center for Indigenous Knowledge for Agriculture and Rural Development
Dr Shu-min Huang
Iowa State University
Department of Anthropology
318 B Curtiss Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1050, USA
Tel.: +1 515 294 9503.
Fax: +1-515-294 1708.
E-mail: cikard@iastate.edu
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~anthr_info/cikard
ICIK
Interinstitutional Consortium for Indigenous Knowledge
Ladi Semali, Director and correspondent
The Pennsylvania State University
254 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
USA
Tel.: +1-814-865 2246.
Fax: +1-814-863 7602.
E-mail: lms11@psu.edu
http://www.ed.psu.edu/ci/ICIK/index.asp
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