Desert knowledge: integrating knowledge and development in arid and semi-arid drylands

摘要: Globalisation presents particular challenges for deserts given that their sparse populations, which are amongst the world’s poorest in an absolute economic sense, tend to be remote from major markets and have only a distant, marginal voice political policy decision making. Here we defining as arid semi-arid drylands encompass 70% of Australia 25% land surfaces. The value knowledge local traditions science generated about living sustainably is being promoted extended through ‘desert knowledge’ movement Australia. Australian research reported here, together with contribution Niger offers contrast some lessons Australia, largely underpinned by neopopulist paradigm development stressing respect knowledge, participatory practice empowerment. Research partnership desert Aboriginal groups contributing engagement new livelihood opportunities. livestock graziers also engaged support sustainable management water sources landscapes multiple values. here addresses opportunities norms, identities, systems, governance livelihoods broader scale processes institutions. In doing so it contributes ‘neo-ideographic approach’ wherein people might better harness locality, diversity adaptations shape encounters globalisation. It points considerable scope mature such approach.