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| research_report_sanjeev-shankar [2008-05-20 12:29] – sanjeev | research_report_sanjeev-shankar [2008-05-21 06:50] – sanjeev |
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| * Urban problems include inequality, acute hunger, unemployment, crime, inflation, urban sprawl, rising poverty, expensive health care, increase in population and imbalanced education system. | * Urban problems include inequality, acute hunger, unemployment, crime, inflation, urban sprawl, rising poverty, expensive health care, increase in population and imbalanced education system. |
| * Declining resources in many parts of the world has met a rising population. The result is starvation, drought, refugees and resource wars. | * Declining resources in many parts of the world has met a rising population. The result is starvation, drought, refugees and resource wars. |
| * Food crisis is further compounded by changing food habits, increased use of pesticides, herbicides, biocides; rapidly deteriorating soil quality and use of agricultural land to grow corn for ethanol. | * Food crisis is further compounded by changing food habits, increased use of pesticides, herbicides, biocides; rapidly deteriorating soil quality, increasing oil prices and use of agricultural land to grow corn for ethanol. |
| * There has been an acute drop in forest cover and a sharp increase in desert area. Each year, we lose 20 billion metric tons of topsoil, emit 20 billion metric tons of carbon-di-oxide into the atmosphere, and create two million hectares of new desert. | * There has been an acute drop in forest cover and a sharp increase in desert area. Each year, we lose 20 billion metric tons of topsoil, emit 20 billion metric tons of carbon-di-oxide into the atmosphere, and create two million hectares of new desert. |
| * Traditional systems are a crucial resource and can offer us remedies. Sharing and learning from each other is important and challenges can be seen as opportunities. | * Traditional systems are a crucial resource and can offer us remedies. Sharing and learning from each other is important and challenges can be seen as opportunities. |
| * On-site research of Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, focusing on preserving and increasing biodiversity | * On-site research of Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, focusing on preserving and increasing biodiversity |
| * Design for urban gardening prototypes and kits | * Design for urban gardening prototypes and kits |
| * Article for the Luminous Green publication on the [[Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary]] | * Article for the Luminous Green publication on the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary |
| * Participation in the Research Gathering in October 2007 | * Participation in the Research Gathering in October 2007 |
| * Participation in the groWorld design session in April 2008 | * Participation in the groWorld design session in April 2008 |
| For more on this topic please see [[urban permaculture concepts]]. | For more on this topic please see [[urban permaculture concepts]]. |
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| ===Beyond numbers and definitions=== | ===Beyond numbers and definitions: Towards purposeful action=== |
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| Scenario 1: On a recent visit to a remote farm in India, the researcher met a middle aged woman. After a brief conversation, the researcher asked the woman her age. The reply was, 'It might be between 30 and 50 years'. This was followed by a period of silence. The researcher reflected on how acutely we are attached to numbers and statistics. How they mean so much more than the real issue at hand. | Scenario 1: On a recent visit to a remote farm in India, the researcher met a middle aged woman. After a brief conversation, the researcher asked the woman her age. The reply was, 'It might be between 30 and 50 years'. This was followed by a period of silence. The researcher reflected on how acutely we are attached to numbers and statistics. How they mean so much more than the real issue at hand. |
| Scenario 2: In recent conversations with Kobe Matthys, a Brussels based urban farmer, the researcher was told about a recent trend of, official permaculture courses which gives people the 'legal' right to call themselves permaculturists. The course requires individuals to pay 1000 euros. While the idea of education is not wrong, the researcher has strong reservations about 'controlling' the spread of an idea which at its core is about re-intepretation and open ended participation, for a sustainable living. | Scenario 2: In recent conversations with Kobe Matthys, a Brussels based urban farmer, the researcher was told about a recent trend of, official permaculture courses which gives people the 'legal' right to call themselves permaculturists. The course requires individuals to pay 1000 euros. While the idea of education is not wrong, the researcher has strong reservations about 'controlling' the spread of an idea which at its core is about re-intepretation and open ended participation, for a sustainable living. |
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| These two scenarios bring up an important issue about our affinity for brands, numbers and definitions. Yes we need them and can not imagine a world without them; but, they are not the end, they are tools for feedback, for self regulation, for differentiation and for efficient distribution of resources. In our competitive urge for 'growth' reflected by larger numbers and ever changing definitions, we seem to have lost our purpose. The purpose is action: collective, purposeful action for common good. Having said this, in this research, definitions and numbers play a role of triggers for real change. | These two scenarios bring up an important issue about our affinity for brands, numbers and definitions. Yes we need them and can not imagine a world without them; but, they are not the end, they are tools for feedback, for self regulation, for differentiation and for efficient distribution of resources. In our competitive urge for 'growth' reflected by larger numbers and ever changing definitions, we seem to have lost our purpose. The purpose is action: collective, purposeful action for common good. Having said this, in this research, definitions and numbers play the role of triggers for real change. |
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| ==Urban and Rural== | ==Urban and Rural== |
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| Migration from rural to urban areas has been a global phenomena for centuries. Reasons for this include greater opportunity, secure income, a sense of freedom, a sense of being interconnected and being part of a privileged system. Cities can no longer sustain an exponentially growing population with exponentially growing demands. The imbalance has become more evident with a rapidly deteriorating environment and quality of life. Not surprisingly, villages in many parts of the world, still offer a healthy environment and an intact eco-system. There are hopeful signs of rural grassroot organisations which have successfully created local cycles of mutual cooperation in a self organised way. The Development Alternatives Group in Delhi, Barefoot College in Rajasthan, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Kerala are testimony to this. This is gradually changing the notion that villages are backward by transforming them into alternative models of sustainability. ((http://www.publicsphereproject.org/patterns/pattern.pl/public?pattern_id=890)) | Migration from rural to urban areas has been a global phenomena for centuries. Reasons for this include greater opportunity, secure income, a sense of freedom, a sense of being interconnected and being part of a privileged system. Cities can no longer sustain an exponentially growing population with exponentially growing demands. The imbalance has become more evident with a rapidly deteriorating environment and quality of life. Thankfully, villages in many parts of the world, still offer a healthy environment and an intact eco-system. There are hopeful signs of grassroot organisations which have successfully created local cycles of mutual cooperation in a self organised way. The Development Alternatives Group in Delhi, Barefoot College in Rajasthan, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Kerala are testimony to this. This is gradually changing the notion that villages are backward by transforming them into alternative models of sustainability. ((http://www.publicsphereproject.org/patterns/pattern.pl/public?pattern_id=890)) |
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| ===Discussion=== | ===Discussion=== |
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| ===Directions=== | ===Directions=== |
| We are all becoming increasingly aware that our actions can no longer be seen as isolated acts of private concern. The idea of growth and sustainability is a journey and not a destination. It is constantly unfolding and evolving. The insights and lessons through this journey go beyond farming. Since, the nature of farming and land is highly interconnected, it affects every aspect of our society. The author would like to conclude with the following directives: | We are all becoming increasingly aware that our actions can no longer be seen as isolated acts of private concern. The idea of sustainability is a constantly evolving journey. It is not a destination. The insights and lessons through this journey go beyond farming and ecology. Since, the nature of farming and land is highly interconnected, it affects every aspect of our society including social justice and global peace. |
| | The researcher would like to conclude with the following directives: |
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| * The most insightful ideas are also the most basic. These can come from any source, independent of age, status, experience or academic background. | * The most insightful ideas are also the most basic. These can come from any source, independent of age, status, experience or academic background. |
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| * People in most parts of the world crave to be in an urban setting. It gives them a sense of pride and achievement apart from other tangible benefits. There is a need to redefine the construct of an 'urban' space and a 'rural' place. Over the years a great imbalance has emerged between the production and consumption patterns, living conditions, opportunities, social and psychological well being and overall sense of 'life' in these regions. This is one of the core reasons for continued unsustainable migration from villages to cities. Addressing this gap would incorporate self-regulation in a nation's growth. | * We need to nurture a moral force: an anchor in every culture, which challenges convention. This could come from spirituality, religion, a story, a community or a genuine leader. The current impetus on a sustainable future could be such an anchor. This would build an effective self-regulatory pattern in a system. India, with its spiritual heritage is a prime example of this inner, collective idea of balance and control. |
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| * Urban communities should join hands with rural areas to create a prosperous countryside, which inturn would become a support for our future. Though urban character and the dynamics of a city vary vastly as one moves from the west to the east, there is a lot to learn and share. | * We need a counterpoint to the ongoing movement of 'fast and furious' with a 'slow and deep' mind set. We have to be able to foster responsibility towards a long term view. Greening up our excessive consumption without changing our habits will not work. Humanity must consume less and we must slow down. Population growth is at the centre of this issue. We must look at authentic solutions for reversing population growth through improving women's rights and by making contraceptives available.((http://www.greenpeace.org/international/about/deep-green))((http://www.longnow.org/about/)) |
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| * It is important to bring out the connection between a fertile soil, and healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy humans. This also highlights the crucial role of education, reporting, communication and media. | * There is a need for a gradual shift towards a 'we' and 'us' based culture from a 'me' and 'I' based approach. This is one of the most crucial directives and also one of the most difficult to achieve. In some way, it amounts to tranforming the culture of a place. Collective communities like India, are today facing a reverse trend with the recent shift towards a capitalist, individual based, self serving attitude. This can have a serious impact owing to the sheer magnitude of India's population. Spirituality, media and the government can play a purposeful role to check this shift. Ideas of 'social capitalism' and 'social entrepreneurship' are hopeful signs. |
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| * Land must be safeguarded from the operations of finance and our needs have to be clearly streamlined. A gradual and determined approach for recovering the land and celebrating the farmer is needed and the benefits of this shared with everyone. This is becoming even more relevant in the Indian context where there is a visible rush to embrace the global marketplace. | * In cultural contexts, links with tradition should involve the use of past processes of change rather than the maintenance of past structures and patterns. We have to constantly reevaluate and revalidate our responses and ideas of 'growth' and 'progress' in such recursive times. Having said that, if a thing needs to disintegrate and be left behind, we must let new systems be born. The aspect of ethics is important in such a situation and should be openly discussed. |
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| * The demographic breakdown and scale of impact is crucial. In countries like India and Bangladesh, a large section of the population is poor, illiterate and remains disconnected from the mainstream. They need to be integrated. When people develop pride in their work, they feel accountable and responsible and this results in real purposeful change. This is an important aspect for bottom up change and is clearly evident in grassroot initiatives like the barefoot college and the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in India. | * People in most parts of the world crave to be in an urban setting. It gives them a sense of pride and achievement apart from other tangible benefits. This is an important factor for continued unsustainable migration from villages to cities. There is a need to redefine the mental and physical construct of an 'urban' space and a 'rural' place and treat them as a unified whole. |
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| * There is a need for critical focus on agricultural research backed by scientific education, traditional wisdom, aggressive trial and error and practical farming experience. We need spirited individuals willing to go the distance in developing a long term sustainable strategy. | * Urban communities should join hands with rural areas to create a prosperous countryside, which inturn would support our future. Though urban character and the dynamics of a city vary vastly as one moves from the west to the east, there is a need for exchange and dialogue. |
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| * From an urban farming perspective, personal kitchen gardens seem most effective. They are small, dispersed, diverse, flexible, simple to maintain, easily transformed and directly impact the food situation at a family and community level. They personify the idea of self reliance and can be catalysts for larger green initiatives at community, regional level. Roof top gardens and community gardens are other options and, with assistance from regional authorities, can make a positive contribution. | * It is important to bring out the connection between a fertile soil, and healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy humans. This highlights the role of education and media. |
| |
| * There is a need for a gradual shift towards a 'we' and 'us' based culture from a 'me' and 'I' based approach. This is one of the most crucial directives and also one of the most difficult to achieve. In some way, it amounts to tranforming the culture of a place. Collective communities like India, are today facing a reverse trend with the recent shift towards a capitalist, individual based, self serving attitude. This can have a serious impact owing to the sheer magnitude of India's population. Spirituality, media and the government can play a purposeful role to check this shift. Ideas of 'social capitalism' and 'social entrepreneurship' are hopeful signs. | * Land must be safeguarded from the operations of finance. This calls for reforms in the legal system where the rights of other life forms should also be safeguarded. A gradual and determined approach for recovering the land and celebrating the farmer is needed and the benefits of this shared with everyone. This is becoming even more relevant in the Indian context where there is a visible rush to embrace the global marketplace. |
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| * There is a need for information 'exchange' and collaborations between different cultures and contexts to develop a 'greater' system with self reliance and interdependence. Strategic assimilation as a design approach has valid relevance. There needs to be a balance between clear streamlined structures and flexible organic systems; between small self organised clusters and larger fabrics; between independent points of view and a general concensus. | * The demographic breakdown and scale of impact is crucial. In countries like India and Bangladesh, a large section of the population is poor, illiterate and remains disconnected from the mainstream. They need to be integrated. When people develop pride in their work, they feel accountable and responsible, and this results in purposeful change. This is an important aspect for bottom up change. |
| | |
| | * There is a need to focus on agricultural research backed by scientific education, traditional wisdom, aggressive trial and error and practical farming experience. We need spirited individuals willing to go the distance in developing a long term sustainable strategy. |
| | |
| | * From an urban farming perspective, personal kitchen gardens seem most effective. They are small, dispersed, diverse, flexible, simple to maintain, easily transformed and directly impact the food situation at a family and community level. They personify the idea of self reliance and can be catalysts for larger green initiatives at community, regional level. Roof top gardens and community gardens are other options and, with assistance from regional authorities, can make a positive contribution. |
| |
| * In cultural contexts, links with tradition should involve the use of past processes of change rather than the maintenance of past structures and patterns. We have to constantly reevaluate and revalidate our responses and ideas of 'growth' and 'progress' in such turbulent and recursive times. Such metaphors of progress and growth must move towards leaving things inside us rather than behind us. Having said that, if a thing needs to disintegrate and be left behind, we must let it go and let new systems be born. The aspect of ethics is important in such a situation and should be openly discussed. | * There is a need for collaboration between different cultures and contexts to develop a 'greater' self reliant system. Strategic assimilation as a design approach has valid relevance. There needs to be a balance between clear streamlined structures and flexible organic systems; between small self organised clusters and larger fabrics; between independent points of view and a general concensus. |
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| * We must constantly strive to create fertile and diverse systems which bring culture and nature together. This could be through technology, media or traditional mediums. An important example is the use of science and technology through 'e-choupals'in rural Indian villages to increase crop productivity('choupal' is a hindi term for a village gathering place) . | * We must constantly strive to create fertile and diverse systems which bring culture and nature together. This could be through technology, media or traditional mediums. An important example is the use of science and technology through 'e-choupals'in rural Indian villages to increase crop productivity('choupal' is a hindi term for a village gathering place) . |
| * Rethinking our relationship with other life forms in an infinitely interconnected world. | * Rethinking our relationship with other life forms in an infinitely interconnected world. |
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| * Finding appropriate ways and methods to bring 'ethical' thinking as a core topic in design education and education in general. | * Finding appropriate ways and methods to bring 'ethical' thinking and practical experience as a core topic in design education and education in general. |
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| * Creating an **International Platform for Growth and Resilience**, which tinkers towards a more inclusive, collaborative methodology through a system of integration. Informed by scientific research, practical experience and travel, the platform would act as an independent facilitator and arbiter of emerging knowledge domains. One of the intiatives could be to bring 'polar' groups together to find a common ground. These groups could include young and old; scientists and traditional farmers; environmentalists and corporate executives; capitalists and social entrepreneurs; secular groups with military regime heads; real estate developers with conservationists; politicians with middle class people and so on. | * Creating an **International Platform for Growth and Resilience**, which tinkers towards a more inclusive, collaborative methodology through a system of integration. Informed by scientific research, practical experience and travel, the platform would act as an independent facilitator and arbiter of emerging knowledge domains. One of the intiatives could be to bring 'polar' groups together to find a common ground. These groups could include young and old; scientists and traditional farmers; environmentalists and corporate executives; capitalists and social entrepreneurs; secular groups with military regime heads; real estate developers with conservationists; politicians with middle class people and so on. |
sanjeev