Originally published in 1988, this book documents genealogical developments which, together with changes in agricultural production, religious ethic, politics, gender relations, patterns of solidarity and trade were local adjustments to the economic crisis of the 1970s and 80s in Zambia. The book explores the dynamics of a peripheral 'traditional' economy, examining the extent to which village structures and value systems have changed.

Originally published in 1988, this book documents genealogical developments which, together with changes in agricultural production, religious ethic, politics, gender relations, patterns of solidarity and trade were local adjustments to the economic crisis of the 1970s and 80s in Zambia. The book explores the dynamics of a peripheral 'traditional' economy, examining the extent to which village structures and value systems have changed.

There is a revolution happening in the practice of anthropology. A new field of 'indigenous knowledge' is emerging, which aims to make local voices hear and ensure that development initiatives meet the needs of indigenous people. Development and Local Knowledge focuses on two major challenges that arise in the discussion of indigenous knowledge - its proper definition and the methodologies appropriate to the exploitation of local knowledge. These concerns are addressed in a range of ethnographic contexts.

Development agencies have for years been seeking a successful universal response to deprivation. Sparked by controversy and debate, the most recent trend is to look for solutions among 'local' or 'indigenous' populations. Nevertheless, resources continue to be wasted in ill-conceived, centrally-imposed schemes that have not only failed to improve matters in lesser-developed countries but have often made them worse. In such instances it is not local knowledge that is problematic, but development agencies' total misinterpretation of it as just one more 'approach' that can be applied universally. Local knowledge can never be that panacea, because it is not in any sense generic. by illustrating that the potential of local knowledge, in development or elsewhere, can only be achieved through recognition of its essential plurality. Perspectives from leading ethnographers and development professionals on issues such as conservation, agriculture and resource management illustrate that the complexity and cultural specificity of local knowledges can only be accessed via equally diverse theories and methodological approaches. offers ways of advancing the relationship between local knowledge and development, and of furthering anthropology's role in development processes. As a rare example of serious study of local knowledge strategy and its applications, this book illustrates the growing need for real understanding of the issue and its power to assist in positive change.

Development has too often failed to deliver on its promises to poor nations. The policies imposed from above by international agencies and state bodies have frequently not met the needs of ordinary people. Development agencies have therefore been searching for some time for alternative approaches. One of those being pioneered is 'indigenous knowledge', which aims to make local voices heard more effectively.
This thought-provoking and challenging collection focuses on how anthropologists can define and use indigenous knowledge in situations where it must meet the demands of development while not compromising anthropological expectations.

Related link: www.anthropologyarena.com

This thought- provoking and challenging collection focuses on how anthropologists can define and use indigenous knowledge without compromising anthropological expectations.

Throughout the 1980s there have been calls, often from development organizations of global repute, for the incorporation of social science perspectives into the design and management of sustainable development programmes. Practising Development is the first collection to offer 0irst-hand critical assessments of the success and failures found within actual responses to these calls. By combining academic and practical experience from anthropology, development and aid organizations the contributors examine the processes of intervention, the methods by which this intervention can be assessed, and explain the socio-economic and political worlds within which intervention and development evolve.

Throughout the 1980s there have been calls, often from development organizations of global repute, for the incorporation of social science perspectives into the design and management of sustainable development programmes. "Practising Development" is the first collection to offer first-hand critical assessments of the success and failures found within actual responses to these calls. Development planning and implementation has been simultaneously marked by the recurrence of broad universal patterns and a diversity of local interests and while the former receive ample attention in the work of economists, statisticians and agronomists, the latter remains largely under-reported and insufficiently understood. The contributors demonstrate that understanding local diversity is at least as meaningful as knowledge of seemingly universal categories and tendencies and illustrate a variety of organizational responses to provide a valuable contribution to the debate on whether these policies are, or can be, turned into practice.

This new book provides an incisive account of food production and famine in the world today. Drawing on the work of anthropologists and other sources it offers a wide-ranging account of the methods used to produce and distribute food in a variety of cultural and historical contexts, from India to sub-Saharan Africa.

Anthropology of Food examines in detail the viewpoints of people whose food resources are insecure, exploring their perceptions of the value of land, farm labor organization, of the way markets operate, famine relief campaigns, and the shape and impact of agrarian development policies. It compares these views with the impact of theories adopted by policy-makers, and reflects on the direction of future empirical research and policy-making, stressing that it is the moral responsibility of researchers to be aware of the social dynamics of food security.

The conflict in Rwanda and the Great Lakes in 1994-1996 attracted the horrified attention of the world's media, diplomats and aid workers struggling to make sense of the bloodshed. This study shows how the post-genocide regime in Rwanda managed to impose a simple, persuasive account of Central Africa's crises upon international commentators, and explains the ideological underpinnings of this official narrative. It is a sobering analysis of how simple, persuasive, but fatally misleading analysis of the situation led to policy errors that exacerbated the original crisis.

Researching violence and conflict can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including security risks to researchers and informants, restricted or lack of access to informants and field sites, and poor reliability of official data. Traditional methodological approaches may need to be adapted, and new methods may be called for. In addition, such research carries ethical challenges about representation of informants and information and possible use of the research for harmful ends. This book, drawing on research conducted throughout Africa in conflict zones and other insecure environments, considers the everyday dilemmas researchers face. It provides essential contributions to ongoing challenging debates about the use of alternative and mixed methods in social science research.