Abstract

In comparison to other countries in the region, Botswana has maintained a strong culture with traditional systems and values remaining relatively intact. However, many recent government programs have failed due to lack of understanding of the traditions and the integrated life of rural communities. This project will support a study of traditional land use practices that will ultimately help improve the living standards and environmental health of rural communities. The aim of the project is not necessarily to change existing land use practices, but to identify sustainable land use methods and provide appropriate techniques to improve them as required. This could include transferring rural expertise from the eastern sand velds of Botswana to San communities in the Central Kalahari for programs involving appropriate housing and indigenous crop production. Upon completion of the programs, the material will be used to develop a "Training Resource Handbook" that will contribute to the process of sustainable rural development by Southern African organizations and agencies through the recently adopted National Development Plan.

Post-Project Summary

The project produced a manual of traditional knowledge in Botswana entitled "The Elders Speak to Tomorrow's Children". The manual provided information on a wide range of indigenous practices, indicating the potential richness of knowledge retained by local peoples. The project researcher (a Canadian student) worked with local researchers in identifying the need for the manual and its possible uses. Information was collected from the local populations using conventional interviewing techniques followed by consultation with groups of farmers.

The manual included information on the traditional means of providing social services, and on environmental and management issues. It introduced regional groups to indigenous knowledge and provided descriptive material for use by researchers. It was noted that the material in the manual was general in nature but would serve as a preliminary tool for closer examination of indigenous knowledge in the region.

Recipient Institution(s)