Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge: A Resource in developing livestock systems

1-5 November 2010

Jointly organised by BSAS and NASA and hosted by IAAS with FAO support

This meeting considers current and potential contribution of traditional and indigenous knowledge to developing livestock systems. This will include ethnobotany and ethnoveterinary knowledge, use of locally available feedstuffs and local animal genetics resources.  Technical papers will cover all aspects in which livestock may be affected including breeding, nutrition and health.  Systems will include cropping trees and fish. 

The conference will appeal to many participants including scientists, policy makers, knowledge transfer experts and those interested in animal science, animal production, indigenous knowledge, ethnobotany, integrated production systems, human - livestock interactions, knowledge transfer and livelihoods inter alia.   Download flyer 

To register interest please email

CALL FOR PAPERS 20 August 2010 Please download guidelines and see example summary

Programme

The conference will be held in Kathmandu with an in-country workshop. It will include presentations, workshop discussions and relevant field trips. Themes will include:

Livestock development policies and strategies 
The success and benefits of livestock development projects, barriers to success, regional issues and uptake issues.

Current challenges to livestock production systems
Climate change, environmental issues, loss of biodiversity, empowering small holders, buffer zone and natural resource conflicts.

Indigenous and traditional  knowledge in livestock production systems 
Gender issues, use of ITK, the range of technologies involved, approaches to evaluation and evidence.

Knowledge exchange in livestock production systems 
Networking, benchmarking, attitudinal studies, barriers and drivers, strategies for KT farmer cooperatives, farm field schools (focus groups).

Additional topics will include:
  Gathering and evaluating indigenous knowledge
  Ethnoveterinary health management
  Poultry production systems
  Ruminant production systems
  New approaches to livestock extension, crop/livestock/tree and forest interactions 

Location

Nepal is an idea location for this subject area given the importance of livestock and agriculture to the livelihoods of many families living in rural communities with limited resources.  The country is also one of the most physically and culturally spectacular in the world.  This conference is timed so that delegates can stay an extra few days to experience a  national cultural festival that runs 6 and 7 November.   

Venue

The main conference will be in a major hotel in Kathmandu for scientists, policymakers.  NGOs, regional and international delegates.  A practical workshop will follow for regional and national practioners.

Travel

Kathmandu has excellent airlinks especially to India, Thailand and through the Middle East.

Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge:  A resource in developing livestock systems - call for papers 20 August 2010