Thematic Synthesis of Indigenous Technical Knowledge Relevant To Hill And Mountain Ecosystems: The Shivaliks of North India As A Representative Case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53550/ijsc.v53.i3.211Keywords:
Drainage System, Indigenous flora, Land development, Shivalik ecosystem, Traditional knowledge, Water resource developmentAbstract
Indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) comprises time-tested practices refined by farmers through continuous experimentation and innovation. Despite being ecofriendly, cost-effective, and readily accessible, ITK remains underutilized in modern conservation programs. This paper presents a thematic synthesis of ITK practices in the Shivalik region of North India, based on 30 years of field experience across 4.2 million hectares in five northern states. Data were compiled through interactions with farmers and village elders, group discussions, field observations, case studies, and validation by extension personnel. The study documents ITK-based practices for land development (field bunding, terracing, fertility maintenance), water resource management (Kuhl irrigation systems, village ponds, spring harvesting), drainage management (diversion ditches, bio-engineering), and indigenous flora management (agroforestry, grasslands, bio-fencing). Additional practices include organic mulching, the use of farmyard manure, and wildlife management strategies. The synthesis demonstrates that farmers function as practical engineers, integrating local flora and materials through simple, effective methods refined by critical analysis of past experiences. Integration of ITK with modern scientific knowledge is essential for sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural development in hill and mountain ecosystems. The findings provide a framework for incorporating ITK into watershed development programs and soil conservation policies.
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