| Previous research on approaches in agricultural research and development provides descriptive accounts of methodologies employed, problems encountered, and strategies utilized to increase farmer participation in the process. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the factors and forces influencing an interdisciplinary research attempt to document the indigenous knowledge systems of Mossi farmers and Fulani herders in Burkina Faso, West Africa regarding soil-nutrient management and ethnoveterinary medicine. By documenting the interdisciplinary research process as it unfolded methodological weaknesses of previous studies reported in the literature were overcome. This research was conducted under the SANREM CRSP.; An inductive approach utilizing ethnographic interviewing and participant observation was used to identify emergent issues and themes influencing interaction between and among scientists and villagers. Based on cognitive ethnoscience, analytical domains were identified and taxonomies developed related to this interaction. Decision models, verbal action plans, and taxonomies were the principle analytical tools utilized.; This research found that an interdisciplinary approach to agriculture research and development, while highly complex, is not only beneficial but also necessary to better understand the complexity of forces and factors that influence the daily lives of farmers and herders in the Donsin Watershed. Drawing on the disciplinary expertise of each other, the research team was able to document these factors and forces as they were perceived by the people themselves.; Contrary to what might be expected, however, disciplinary competence of research scientists was not considered to be as important as human elements such as the ability to work well with others, openness, honesty, and respect for others. The interdisciplinary field work revealed that human elements were critical in gaining the trust and respect of the community thus allowing for an identification of the potential integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems with Institutionally Organized Knowledge Systems. The study revealed the issues, factors and forces that need to be incorporated into future training programs to better prepare scientists to work effectively in teams and conduct research that emphasizes farmer participation. |
