Indigenous and scientific knowledge: the choice and management of cultivation sites by bedouin in Upper Egypt

Briggs, J., Pulford, I.D., Badri, M. and Shaheen, A.S. (1998) Indigenous and scientific knowledge: the choice and management of cultivation sites by bedouin in Upper Egypt. Soil Use and Management, 14, pp. 240-245. (doi: 10.1111/j.1475-2743.1998.tb00159.x)

Abstract

This paper investigates the ways in which some bedouin in the Nubian Desert of southeastern Egypt take decisions about both the choice of site for cultivation and the subsequent management of their soils. It explores the complementarity of formal and informal sciences and how each might profitably inform the other. Results show that the bedouin understand the physical limitations and nutrient supply properties of soils, but not aspects such as pH. Decisions on the choice of cultivation site are often made with regard to other perceived risks, such as soil loss and intermittent inundation, rather than just soil quality. It is also apparent that there exists among bedouin a plurality of indigenous knowledge mediated by factors such as experience, wealth levels, household circumstances and production priorities. Understanding indigenous knowledge is essential in helping to develop better use of the soil in this area, about which little is known and which has only a short history of small scale cropping.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pulford, Dr Ian
• Authors: Briggs, J., Pulford, I.D., Badri, M., and Shaheen, A.S.
• Subjects: S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences; College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Soil Use and Management
• Publisher: British Society of Soil Science
• ISSN: 0266-0032
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 1998 British Society of Soil Science
• First Published: First published in Soil Use and Management 14: 240 - 245
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.