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Interactions of formal and informal knowledge systems in village-based tree management in central India

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  • Sonja Brodt

Abstract

This study critiques the idea of a “Western science -- indigenous knowledge” dichotomy in agricultural knowledge by examining the hybrid nature of knowledge use and incorporation by villagers in Madhya Pradesh, India. By analyzing knowledge systems as multi-leveled structures consisting of concrete practices linked to more abstract, explanatory concepts, this paper illustrates how information from multiple sources is integrated into local bodies of knowledge about tree management. Practices such as urea fertilization from formal global science might be explained by concepts such as that of a hot/cold duality from informal folk science. Similarly, other pieces of knowledge stemming from diverse knowledge systems are shown to become mixed and matched on practical and conceptual levels. Additionally, several knowledge elements used locally appear to be held in common by many knowledge systems around the world, rendering the determination of their origins in one system or another nearly impossible. These observations lead to the conclusion that local knowledge systems of tree management are better characterized as “open” systems rather than distinct, “closed” systems. Furthermore, the constant exchange of material between formal and informal, local and global systems renders untenable any strict dichotomy of knowledge systems. Copyright Kluwer Academic Publishers 1999

Suggested Citation

  • Sonja Brodt, 1999. "Interactions of formal and informal knowledge systems in village-based tree management in central India," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 16(4), pages 355-363, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:16:y:1999:i:4:p:355-363
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1007537809389
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Browder, 1995. "Redemptive communities: Indigenous knowledge, colonist farming systems, and conservation of tropical forests," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 12(1), pages 17-30, December.
    2. Arun Agrawal, 1995. "Dismantling the Divide Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 26(3), pages 413-439, July.
    3. Christoffel Biggelaar, 1991. "Farming systems development: Synthesizing indigenous and scientific knowledge systems," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 8(1), pages 25-36, December.
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    3. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares & María Méndez-López & Isabel Díaz-Reviriego & Marissa McBride & Aili Pyhälä & Antoni Rosell-Melé & Victoria Reyes-García, 2015. "Links between media communication and local perceptions of climate change in an indigenous society," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 131(2), pages 307-320, July.

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