Indigenous Agricultural Revolution Ecology and Food Production in West Africa

Originally published in 1985, this book argues forcefully and practically for new relationship between science and the small farmer. It advocates scientific research seeking out changes which are already taking place within the smallholder farming sector and building on local initiatives. Drawing on his experience of West Africa, the author demonstrates that many of the most successful innovations in food-crop production during the 20th century have indigenous roots and that there should therefore be less emphasis on ‘teaching’ farmers how to farm and more emphasis on how to foster and support local adaptation and inventiveness. This book will be of interest to students of agriculture, environmental studies and rural development as well as those working with relief and development agencies.

Introduction: Science, Agriculture and Environment in West Africa 1. Food Crops and Environment: Colonial Policy and Present Dilemmas 2. The Ecology of West African Farming Systems: i) Seasonality and Shifting Cultivation 3. The Ecology of West African Farming Systems: ii) Intercropping and Wet-Land Agriculture 4. The Ecological Dynamics of West African Food-Crop Farming Systems: Two Case Studies 5. Science and the Peasantry 6. People’s Science: a Green Revolution from Within? Conclusion.

Paul Richard is Professor Emeritus of Technology and Agrarian Development at Wageningen University, The Netherlands.