The Environmental Colours of Microfinance

Appendix: Suggested Components of a Local/Traditional Knowledge Study This Annex was first published in the Treaty Nations Environmental Assessment Manual (1995). The local/traditional knowledge components found in the Treaty Nation Manual have been modified and expanded to conform with CIDA project needs. The components provide an indication of the broad range of local/traditional knowledge both past and present that could be used to shape an environmental assessment. General Considerations Identify traditional techniques for facilitating community participation. Identify traditional methods for transferring knowledge (i.e. story telling). Identify local organisations that can be called upon to assist in the environmental assessment. Identify the holders of traditional knowledge. Approach Local/Traditional Knowledge study in a gender sensitve manner. Consider carefully the role spirtuality plays in all facets of community life. Wildlife The following types of information can be asked for each species of animals, fish and birds. The current and historical status of each species should be queried. Location and distribution; Paths of migration where, when, and duration; Hunting/fishing/trapping sites, (where and when); Population changes noticed (numbers and cycles); Breeding and birthing grounds/or spawning areas for nesting sites; Species affected by development (where and when); Areas of sick or distressed animals and causes; Spiritual significance; Any stoppage in the use of this animal when, and why; Which parts of species are used; How they are used; Why they are used/eaten; Any special cultural and spiritual significance associated with animal, its behaviour, cycles, or it's use; Any special regard given to the animal by respondent and/or community; Any seasonal considerations on capture and use of animal. It may be useful to provide pictures of each of the species present in the area to ensure a common understanding between the interviewer and respondent; some species may have more than one common name. Where appropriate, maps should be used to facilitate discussions. Vegetation The following types of information can be asked for each species of plant. The current and historical status of each species should be queried. Location and distribution; Areas affected by development (where and when); Location of distressed plants (where and when); Harvest sites and times; Areas to be preserved for future use; If the plant is used, what use is made of it and how; Growth rates of vegetation; Frequency and duration of use; Seasonal considerations given to collection and preparation of plant; Arts used and for what uses; Cultural/spiritual and medicinal use of plant; Changes in use of the plant over the years; Changes in the appearance, location, or access to plant; Special regard given to the plant by self and community; Any other ways of using the plant. It may be useful to provide pictures of each of the species present in the area to ensure a common understanding between the interviewer and respondent; some species may have more than one common name. Where appropriate, maps should be used to facilitate discussions. Water Both historical and present information should be provided for each of the following. Water use areas and uses, Changes in water quality over time (what = taste, colour, odour, turbidity, plant growth, animal presence; (where; when, and duration); Any stoppage in water use and why; Any stoppage in water flow (when) and why (if known); Any special regard for the waters, what and how long practised; Water course paths (present and historical); High water marks, water flow and current patterns; Fooded areas (present and past). Where appropriate, maps should be used to facilitate discussions. Agriculture Production Both Historical and present information can be provided for each of the following: Inventory of crops produced; level of land coverage for agricultural purpose; Quality of agricultural production; Changes in crop production; Rainfall patterns. Agricultural practices used in: Crop production; Forecasting seasonality; Conservation of the crop/plant diversity; Mixed cropping; Land fallowing and others techniques associated with land preparation; Seed selection and reproduction. Forest Both historical and present information can be provided for each of the following: Traditional forestry practices; Location and inventory of tree types; Parts used and for what use; Level of forest coverage past and present; Areas affected by development (where and when); Areas to be preserved for future use; Cultural/spirtual and medicinal use of forest by products; Special regard given to the forest by self and community; Changes in patterns of forest use . It may be useful to develop a map to indicate present and past forest coverage indicating species. Land Use Both historical and present information can be provided for each of the following. Uses of the land and what materials/animals are used in an area; How they are used; Frequency and duration of use of these materials/animals; Methods of land management and seasonality of these measures (i.e. fire management); Attitudes towards these practices; Location of burial sites and other culturally and archaeologically significant sites; Travel routes (via foot or other means); What aspect(s) of the land are valuable and or significant (recreation, spiritual and cultural ceremonies; Changes to way of viewing the land; Special relations or acknowledgement of the land and its resources; Changes in traditional land use practices; New practices that have been recently adopted; Concerns for the future regarding the land base and its use; Seasons in which the individual (and/or their family) lived off the land, from what year to what year; Why and when they discontinued this lifestyle (if they have stopped); Where appropriate, maps should be used to facilitate discussions. Economic Development Both historical and present information can be provided for each of the following. Present, past, and future economic developments occurring on, or near the community; Level and types of economic development and when they occurred (to provide a time frame for keeping track of alterations in the natural environmental system); Farming; Receation and tourism; Parks and wildlife sanctuaries; Forestry; Livestock production; Industry /cottage industry; Informal sector activity. Technological Change & Innovation This section refers to technological change and innovation in farming techniques, industry, and domestic applications such as woodstoves and sanitation facilities. Both historical and present information can be provided for each of the following. Types of technological change and innovation and when they occurred; Impact of technical capacity on pattern of resource use; Find historical evidence for sectors of community life that have historically and continue to experience the greatest level of technical change and innovation (i.e. community is open to changes in farming techniques but not in domestic practices); Capacity to develop technology/innovate; Ability of the community to adapt to technological change; Factors encouraging successful adaptation of change; Differing attitudes within the community towards change. Where appropriate, maps and drawings should be used to facilitate discussions Return to Plan 4 of the Colours Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org Return to the Virtual Library on Microcredit