Journal Article

Temporal and spatial dimensions of knowledge: implications for sustainable agriculture

Rikoon, J.S, Raedeke, A.H. (University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.)

1997

Overview

Scholars have recognized the importance of local and indigenous knowledge in less industrialized countries. Few studies have been done on the diversity of knowledge communities in more industrialized countries, however, because of researcher assumptions about the spatial and temporal dimensions of local and scientific knowledge. A distinguishing feature of knowledge communities is the way that time and space are perceived. These differences are reflected in farmers' decision-making. Depending on farmers' knowledge orientations, they may utilize quite different criteria to determine the reliability and applicability of new information. Advocates of sustainable agriculture, and proponents of on-farm research will benefit by recognizing the diverse ways that farmers know and understand their farming systems in both less and more industrialized countries.

• Subject: AGRICULTURA ALTERNATIVA / AGRICULTURE ALTERNATIVE / ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE / alternative farming / CONNAISSANCE INDIGENE / CONOCIMIENTO INDIGENA / DECISION MAKING / DEVELOPED COUNTRIES / DURABILITE / FARMING SYSTEMS / INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE / INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES / MODELS OF KNOWLEDGE / PAISES DESARROLLADOS / PAYS DEVELOPPE / PRISE DE DECISION / SISTEMAS DE EXPLOTACION / SOSTENIBILIDAD / SUSTAINABILITY / SYSTEME D'EXPLOITATION AGRICOLE / TECHNOLOGIE TRADITIONNELLE / TECNOLOGIA TRADICIONAL / TOMA DE DECISIONES / TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGY