Main Article Content
Session C4
Enabling frameworks — Moving beyond technology transfer: indigenous
Abstract
Conventional approaches to rangeland development have focused more on technical
aspects of livestock and range management than on the people who inhabit such
areas and utilise these resources. Technology transfer describes the conventional
process whereby researchers develop ‘improved’ systems that are
then promoted as models for boosting production. Where rangelands are traditionally
used by groups of herders, such imposed models have a dismal record. One key
reason is that indigenous knowledge, local practices, and traditional regulations
have been ignored. In other fields, conventional norms of development are being
challenged. Thus, for example, amongst small scale farmers in the developing
tropics, participation is now the accepted entry point. So, what is the experience
with, and potential for, similar approaches on the rangelands?
African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2003, 20(2): 215–221
aspects of livestock and range management than on the people who inhabit such
areas and utilise these resources. Technology transfer describes the conventional
process whereby researchers develop ‘improved’ systems that are
then promoted as models for boosting production. Where rangelands are traditionally
used by groups of herders, such imposed models have a dismal record. One key
reason is that indigenous knowledge, local practices, and traditional regulations
have been ignored. In other fields, conventional norms of development are being
challenged. Thus, for example, amongst small scale farmers in the developing
tropics, participation is now the accepted entry point. So, what is the experience
with, and potential for, similar approaches on the rangelands?
African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2003, 20(2): 215–221
