Whose Knowledge, Whose Development? Use and Role of Local and External Knowledge in Agroforestry Projects in Bolivia

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Social Science

Background:

• Agroforestry systems increasingly incorporate local knowledge, yet its integration with external and scientific knowledge remains underexplored.
• Understanding the interplay between diverse knowledge systems is vital for effective agroforestry project design and implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utilization and integration of local and external knowledge in Bolivian agroforestry projects.
• To analyze the contributions of different knowledge bases to livelihood assets and biodiversity in agroforestry.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 42 field visits and 62 interviews with farmers, civil society representatives, and policymakers in Bolivia.
• Examined the relationship between knowledge sources (local, external, mixed) and project outcomes, including livelihood assets and tree/crop diversity.

Main Results:

• Projects prioritizing external knowledge focused on financial capital and limited species diversity.
• Projects utilizing local or mixed knowledge bases emphasized food security, natural capital (soil restoration), and greater tree/crop diversity.
• Integration of knowledge enhances farmers' capacity to address climate change, market volatility, and land-use conflicts.

Conclusions:

• Agroforestry projects benefit from integrating local and external knowledge for improved sustainability and resilience.
• Formal education and extension services often undervalue local knowledge, necessitating reforms.
• Promoting dialogue between knowledge systems requires strengthening local organizations, reforming education, and engaging policymakers.