Message-ID: <32E021E8.7C6D@mind.net> Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 01:05:44 +0000 From: "B. Diamond" <mailto:bdiamond@MIND.NET> Subject: Re: Re[2]: What kind of technology do WE need? To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
mailto:GOOZNER.ALAN@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV wrote:
> What is really needed is improved technology for harvest, storage,
> transportation and commerce so that surplus food can be
> sold/delivered to deficit areas. Encouragement of the use
> of primitive farming to arbitrarily keep people on the land
> is counterproductive to economic and human development.
>
Al,
What is really needed is for people involved in development, is to "develop" an understanding of the values of those they seek to aid. In many cultures, agriculture means far more than just sticking something in the ground and then harvesting it. Many facets of culture are often associated with the means of food production, such as reciprocity, clan dynamics, etc. While making "efficient use" of the land may make sense financially and/or scientifically, this often results in the loss of unity and cohesiveness amongst traditional peoples. For example, the Hopi had extensive terrace gardens in N. New Mexico that they had farmed for thousands of years. In the late sixties, an irrigation system was developed, which allowed many Hopi to farm their backyards rather than meet at and maintain the terrace gardens in the foothills. As the ancient terrace gardens began to crumble with neglect, so too did this important link to their culture; hauling the water, and maintaining the terracing had provided for opportunities to work side by side with members of your clan, descendant group, etc. When people had their gardens in their yards, they became "too busy" to interact with other members of their tribe. They eventually realized what harm this was causing to there traditional ways, and they decided to resurrect the terrace gardens and this important link to their past. While this approach may not be for everyone, we must address the fact that agriculture and sustenance are integral componants of culture that should not have to be sacrificed in the name of "efficiency."
B. Diamond