Understanding Local Knowledge

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the dynamics underlying major transitions in pokkali newline cultivation (a form of cyclical paddy-shrimp cultivation) in Ernakulam, Kerala. In this regard, this newline study explores the nature of diverse knowledge systems that exist among different intersectional newline actors involved in pokkali cultivation. It further examines the social construction of local newline knowledge, which is found to be not as a homogenous form of knowledge. Instead it is newline characterised by its own internal variations and contradictions that are based on the historical and newline structural positions of social actors. This study demonstrates the situatedness of local knowledge newline in pokkali cultivation, signifying the relevance of social positions and power relations of diverse newline actors in the day-to-day management of the wetland resource system. newline The pokkali cultivation is popularly considered to be a traditional form of cyclical paddy-shrimp newline cultivation in Kerala. While the indigenous and organic nature of this cultivation has often been newline highlighted in various platforms, there has also been concern by different actors on the decline of newline pokkali cultivation, and the ecological degradation of the pokkali wetlands. It is in this context this newline research has attempted to examine the nature and dynamics of transitions in pokkali cultivation in newline three specific sites (padashekharams) in Ernakulam district of Kerala. This study specifically newline explores the nature of local knowledge embedded in the traditional and changing practices of newline pokkali cultivation. It further examines the diverse contextual factors shaping the transitions in newline pokkali cultivation and its implications on the social positions of actors and related dynamics of newline local knowledge systems as well. Furthermore, this study examines the nature of social interfaces newline emerging in the contexts of transitions in pokkali cultivation. Various actors associated with newline pokkali cultivation interpret continuity and change in the socio-ecological contexts and related newline practices in different ways. These narratives also form part of the larger discourse on pokkali newline cultivation. This research also explores the nature of interfaces when diverse actors with different newline values, interests, knowledge, and power participate in these transitions. It attempts to explore newline local knowledge in pokkali cultivation beyond the binaries of local versus scientific/expert- newline driven knowledge. And finally, this research attempts to problematise the challenges emerging in newline iiithe context of ensuring sustainability of resource management on the one hand, and ensuring newline fairness and justice on the other hand. newline The research has adopted a qualitative research approach. Guided by a critical ethnographic newline research design, this study closely examined the day-to-day practices of various actors in pokkali newline cultivation. The methodology counterpoises the voices, experiences and practices of all the newline relevant actors involved. It helped to understand the diverse knowledge systems that different newline actors such as farmers, labourers, kettu contractors and workers and state officials possess. It also newline helped to understand the continuity and change in the pokkali cultivation practices. newline