Local Knowledge, Local Action:
Two Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa
Sustainable Development: a vision of development that seeks a
balance among economic growth, environmental impacts, and
social equity.
Indigenous Technology: local knowledge and know-how
Example 1:
The Green Belt Movement
GBM is a grassroots nongovernmental organization
(NGO) based in Kenya that
focuses on environmental
conservation, community
development and capacity
building.
The Green Belt Movement:
•Began in 1977
•Founded by Prof. Wangari
Maathai, 2004 Recipient of the
Nobel Peace Prize; first women
from East and Central Africa to earn
a Ph.D
•First Initiative: Environmental
Conservation & Tree Planting
How the GBM Tree Planting Program Worked
Subsequent Green Belt Movement Activities:
•Tree planting on public lands
•Civic & Environmental Education Programs
•Pan African Training Workshops
•Green Belt Safaris
•Women for Change (Capacity Building)
Example 2:
The San People, Local Knowledge, and Traditional Lands
The San People
Geography
History
Film:
Regopstaan’s Dream: How the Last Surviving Bushmen Are
Reclaiming Their Land
What was the reason for the “clash” between the
Kalahari Gemsbok park rangers and the Bushmen?
According to the San, why did the rains go away?
What local knowledge or indigenous technology do
the San have?
What is the traditional San’s hope, and what is the
conflict with the national park managers?
The state of affairs for San in the Kalahari-Gemsbok
Park today:
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi/
?
“Bushmen Squeeze Money from a Humble Cactus”
Hoodia Plant
The Present Troubles of the San in Botswana
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
An example of local knowledge:
‘The government has not done anything which proves it
owns the land. We know every tree and water hole and
corner of this land - everything has a name. We know this
land as you know your children. We say, "This is my son
and these are my grandchildren." That is how we know
this place. The old people remain behind and we send our
young people to court to fight for our right to live in the
world.'
- Nhari, a Bushman elder who defied eviction from Central
Kalahari Game Reserve, August 2004.
(from Survival International website)