Book notice: Farmer-led Participatory Research - Cases from Western India

Farmer-led Participatory Research - Cases from Western India Astad Pastakia, Brij Kothari and Vijaya Sherry Chand (eds.) Published by Books for Change 2002 Rs 150

Centralised models of development don't work; local knowledge and traditional methods do, especially in the realms of farming and water conservation, states this tome of case studies. The book shows how the concept of participatory research empowers local communities to develop and manage their natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Participatory research also helps scientists understand, and possibly augment, traditional expertise. A case in point is scientific effort to improve johads (traditional water harvesting structures) in Rajasthan. The book details five such initiatives where participatory research and action led to the design of improved johads, that proved highly cost effective. A useful read for those engaged in learning about and improving indigenous practices.