Author Description

This book presents new insights about the knowledge systems of rural people. It goes beyond the technical knowledge embodied in traditional farming, land use and health practices by dealing with their underlying ancient worldviews and cosmovisions. It draws some general conclusions about the holistic nature, strengths and limitations of these bodies of knowledge and describes how in various countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe some development agencies are supporting rural people and their traditional leaders in carrying out practical experiments based on local concepts.