Social Practices in Conservation of Millets in Kolli Hills

Abstract

Traditional knowledge reposed in tribal communities contains a rich source of experience adapted to the environment and communicated from one generation to another. In agriculture, this knowledge is gaining increased importance as some traditional seeds have also shown greater resilience to various types of stress. Amidst growing concerns of food security in climate change and with increasing malnutrition, scientific communities are taking a closer look at traditional food and cultivation practices. An understanding of social and cultural processes within the community can help share and sustain traditional knowledge. This study explores linkages between social practices that contribute towards conservation of millets, known for their climate-resilient and nutrition-rich properties. The tribal region of Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu, south India, is considered to assesses the prevalence and connect between social practices and conservation of traditional knowledge related to millets. The study employs a mixed methodology with a survey along with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, to identify key influencers along with existing factors that are positive and negative to millet cultivation in Kolli Hills. It finds that it is the family as a unit that is responsible for being the knowledge holder with regard to traditional knowledge on agricultural biodiversity and conservation, with women acknowledging a greater positive attitude to conservation. The key influencers, including the community leader and self-help groups, are found to be of high importance within the community, but do not play a key role in conservation and have potential for furthering the conservation agenda within the community. newline