IK Monitor (9-2) Contents

Indigenous Knowledge
and
Development Monitor

Contents IKDM 9-2, July 2001

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General & Communications | Articles | IKDM 9-2 as PDF file

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Articles

Editorial
Vernacular housing and building materials in Namibia by M.A. Wienecke
The discussion of indigenous knowledge within the framework of sustainable development has traditionally focused on such areas as agriculture, medicines, and food production. In Africa, vernacular housing and related issues still represent traditional knowledge and customs in many countries. This aspect will be illustrated by an examination of the current state of vernacular housing in Namibia, on the basis of examples from the formerly nomadic Nama and !Kung, as well as Ovambo-speaking groups.

Indigenous variety development in food crops strategies on Timor: their relevance for in situ biodiversity conservation and food security By Johan Kieft
This article describes how farmers have developed varieties through selection processes which are embedded in local belief systems. These strategies have allowed farmers to adjust crops and crops varieties to widely differing local environments. This has been of significant importance. The ability to adjust genetic material and develop different varieties through selection is important to maintaining food security in traditional farming systems.

A better understanding of traditional homegardens through the use of locally defined management zones by Rossana Lok
Traditional tropical homegardens are highly diverse agroforestry systems that make a substantial contribution to the well-being of the family and to its food security. However, understanding and working with homegardens has often been problematic, because of their unique and complex structure, which can make them resemble a chaotic collection of vegetation and a few animals.

Between conservation and production: traditional ware yam cultivation in Igbo-Etiti, Nigeria by Edwin M. Igbokwe
This study describes the practice of traditional ware yam cultivation carried out by smallholder farmers. The author concludes that farmers have many years of experience in managing resources and use this knowledge in the selection and introduction of cultivars that are adaptable to the farming system. In this way they have learned to adjust to an unfavourable environment so that they can continue to produce their major food crop.

Guest column by Pablo Eyzaguirre
Global recognition of indigenous knowledge: is this the latest phase of 'globalization'? Pablo B. Eyzaguirre, Senior scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome Italy (for more information on IK Journals and agrobiodiversity registers contact Paul Quek P.Quek@cgiar.org or P.Eyzaguirre@cgiar.org)

For more information, please contact the editor:
Anna van Marrewijk
Nuffic-CIRAN
P.O. Box 29777
2502 LT The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel: +31-70-4260324
Fax: +31-70-4260329/4260399
E-mail: ikdm@nuffic.nl