Chapter One The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in ...

Chapter One The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Improving Present Water-Harvesting Practices Theib Oweis, Ahmed Hacbum and Adriana Bruggeman ,\/uiurai Resource /v/a }Jogemel1t Pl'Ogram, Illlernofiolla! CelIler j()1' Agt'h'uliural Research in th e {)Iy Arelili (ICARIJA ), :1Ieppo . .~l'ria .

Background There are various definitions of the term 'indigenous knowledge'. One such definition is: ' the unique, traditional, local knowledge existing within and developed around the specific conditions of women and men indigenous to a particular geographic area' (Grenier 1998). Indigenous knowledge is also defined as 'the basis for community-level decision making in areas pertaining to food security, natural resources management, health, education and other vital socioeconomic activities' (Gorjestani 200 I). It is a key element of the social capital of the poor, and constitutes their main asset in their effort to gain control of own lives (Gorjestani 2001). Indigenous knowledge (also referred to as 'traditional' or ' local' knowledge) is based on experience, and is often tested over centuries and adapted to local culture and em~ronment. Indigenous knowledge is dynamic and changing, and is an important part of the lives of the poor. It is inherent in food security, in human and animal health, education, and natural resource management. Indigenous knowledge is, therefore, a cumulative body of knowledge ('knowhow'), practices and manifestations maintained and developed by peoples with long histories of interaction with their natural environment. It is the basis for local-level decision making in many aspects of their life, especially for the poor, and provides problem-solving strategies for communities (World Bank 1998). The dry areas onYest Asia and North Africa (WANA) are very rich in traditional, ancient water-harvesting systems. These must have been built on a sound foundation of indigenous knowledge. Sueh traditional knowledge should be utilized in order to develop new practices, or to improve the efficiency of existing ones. Building on indigenous knowledge can be particularly effective in helping us reach the poor, since indigenous knowledge is often the only asset they control and is certainly one with which they are very familiar. Indigenous knowledge helps to increase the sustainability of development efforts, because the integration of indigenous knowledge encourages mutual learning and adaptation which, in tum, contributes to the empowerment of local communities. Since etliciency, effectiveness and sustain ability are key determinants of the quality of development work, there is a clear economic case for the

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Indigenous Water-Harvesting in IVANA

harnessing of indigenous knowledge. Early indications point to significant improvements in the quality of development projects if indigenous knowledge is given leverage in the form of modem technology (Gorjestani 200 I). There should be no confusion of the terms ' knowlcdge ' and 'information' or 'technology' and 'practice'. Where knowledge is related to accumulated community expcrience, information could only be a set of data on a specific situation or experiment. Knowledge and information are needed in order to develop useful technologies. Individuals have, over time, developed innovative technologies and practices that are based on indigenous knowledge. This is still happening today. Indigenous knowledge is a continuous source of innovative ideas, which are developed into both technologies and practices. However, the technologies and practices developed may not be as relevant when used under different conditions or at different times. Although indigenous knowledge has proven its validity over the centuries, there are instances where scientific validation may be required before a practice based on indigenous knowledge is shared beyond its original context and location. Indigenous knowledge should, however, be used to help in the development of innovative solutions to the problems of a society. Such innovative solutions may be needed because existing contextual arrangements may not be applicable to the specifics of transposed indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is preserved through oral tradition and demonstration, and most often emerges gradually rather than in distinct increments. One important characteristic of indigenous techniques is that, generally, they are sustainable and environmentally friendly. A good example of this is the qanat (a well-known indigenous technique in WANA) which is used to tap groundwater and transport it to the surface. The tunnel gradient of the qanat intersects the water table, and water /lows out by means of gravity, without pumping or the aid of any mechanical device. Ifthe surface oflhe groundwater (water table) drops, due to lack

Tire oullet afth e qanat in Shatta/all Saghirah ill northern Syria, which ", iupport"i the village with ,\w;faillahle water }luw lilY dumesli