Environmental Narratives and the History of Soil Erosion in Kondoa District, Tanzania: An Archaeological Perspective*

摘要: Introduction Archaeologists have often argued that two of the greatest strengths their discipline are its temporal depth and interdisciplinary nature. Historians Africa also endorsed this, most notably perhaps Jan Vansina, in his review archaeology's relationship with history particular reference to African continent.1 Other historians made similar observations, if not quite so overtly as Vansina.2 One theme which these dual archaeology much contribute is debate over "environmental" or "crisis" narratives. These "stories" "scenarios" political leaders, planners, development specialists, conservationists, researchers produce simplify issues ways encourage action. turn become received wisdom about causes a problem (such land degradation) how can be rectified.3 Once established, narratives tend very persistent entrenched current thinking, even face evidence directly contradicts main premises narrative.4 Over last few decades, historians, geographers, anthropologists been at forefront developing scholarly critiques such narratives, especially settings.5 By contrast, it only recently archaeologists working on continent sought exploit debates, those pertaining sustainability different farming, herding, other use practices. This despite frequent calls from for "usable pasts" that, cite Nigerian archaeologist Bassey Andah, "fight "cultural poverty" negotiate justice both national international levels."6 Interestingly, many, but by no means all, make archaeological knowledge production more relevant addressing contemporary challenges come scholars. is, perhaps, because they pressed frequently than Western counterparts useable pasts.7 Thus, example, commenting scope scale rainforest deforestation West environmental this poses governments, Adebesi Sowunmi has must cognizant problems "active nongovernmental action groups conservation tropical forests." Additionally, she believes should "formulation implementation new paradigms policies ecologically sustainable economic development," initiate "multidisciplinary applied research into palaeoecology, well sociology, human interaction within rain forests" (original emphasis).8 Moreover, Francis Musonda observed, need potential offer social benefits broader constituency academia does simply personal aspirations individual (important though may be): "The expectation an government citizen who acquired training sufficiently equipped practical solutions pressing economic, cultural, problems."9 In remainder paper I outline results ongoing project conducted East was specifically designed fill some gaps concerning causes, origins, chronology soil erosion Haubi Basin Kondoa District, central Tanzania provide robust base future policy measures might developed. A concern work part, evidential basis previous assessments area date initiation. …