An investigation of an indigenous knowledge system and management practices of tree fodder resources in the middle hills of central Nepal.

摘要

Tree fodder (vegetative matter harvested from trees, shrubs or woody vines) is a primary constituent of animal feed in Nepal. An estimated national average fodder deficit of 20 percent often results in undernourished and underproductive draft animals, a reduction in the production of meat and milk products, and limited dung production. Farmers' efforts to meet their fodder demand often result in increasing exploitation of fodder sources, contributing to the degradation of forest and pasture resources. There is evidence that tree fodder shortage also motivates farmers to intensify cultivation and management of fodder trees on private land.;A multi-method research strategy, composed of five distinct methods: participant observation; a household survey; a private tree inventory; ethnographic interviews; and the repertory grid and triad test, was employed. This facilitated the collection of different types of data, and it helped overcome many of the problems endemic to cross-cultural research. During this study only local villagers were used as research assistants.;This research demonstrated that there is more to the collection, management, and use of tree fodders than may be perceived by outsiders. The research has shown that knowledgeable villagers can evaluate the quality of different fodders and provide good feed to their livestock by using three main tools: (1) their extensive knowledge about fodder species; (2) their knowledge system of fodder classification and evaluation; and (3) their skillful qualitative analysis of available fodders. This research has shown the dynamics of a complex cognitive system that impresses order on the apparent disorder of variables involved in the management of tree fodder. It has also shown that indigenous knowledge systems research can help improve our understanding of complex rural farming systems.;Understanding the dynamics of indigenous resource management systems can potentially benefit natural resource development efforts. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate an indigenous knowledge system surrounding the management, cultivation, and use of private tree fodder resources in one village area in the middle hills of Central Nepal. A system used by farmers to classify and evaluate animal fodders was investigated with specific reference to gender.