Discussing the knowledge systems of rural people, this book goes beyond the technical knowledge embodied in traditional farming, land use and health practices to explore underlying ancient world views and cosmovisions. It does not romanticise traditional knowledge or reject Western science.

This is a presentation of insights into the knowledge systems of rural people. It goes beyond the technical knowledge embodied in traditional farming, land use and health practices to explore their underlying ancient world views and cosmovisions. It assesses the holistic nature, strengths and also limitations of these bodies of knowledge and describes how 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. The contributors do not romanticise traditional knowledge or reject Western science, but argue for a reciprocal relationship between these sources of knowledge. The book hopes to challenge rural people, researchers and development organizations to look for the sources of knowledge most appropriate to the specific ecological, social and cultural context.

Supporting endogenous development
cosmovisions in health and agriculture in India, Prabha Mahale and Hay Soree
revitalizing local health traditions, Darshan Shankar
Ayurveda, cosmovision and traditional agriculture, K.M. Shyam Sundar and A.V. Balasubramanian
Krishi Prayoga Pariwara - a group of experimenting farmers, U. Shenoy et al
the synergy of culture and spirituality enhances biodiversity, V. Ramprasad et al
tribal agro-ecology and cosmovision, K.J.N. Gowtham Shankar
comparing cosmovisions in Nepal, Maheswar Ghimire
activating all powers in Sri Lanka agriculture, G.K. Upawansa and R. Wagachchi
Atoni cosmovisions in agriculture in Timor, Johan Kieft and Marthen Duan
traditional African worldviews from a cosmovision perspective, David Millar
when the spirits speak, David Millar
culture and cosmovision in traditional institutions in Zimbabwe, Cosmas Gonese
people's spirit of resistance in Latin America, Gerrit Huizer
Andean cosmovision and self-sustained development, S. Rist et al
sharing the fruits of Pachamama, G.M. Zambrano et al
biodynamic agriculture and spirituality, W. Beekman and J. de Jonge
towards a methodology for supporting endogenous development.