PCD puts a particular emphasis on traditional knowledge in its rural livelihood programme. A workshop on traditional knowledge and sustainable livelihoods was held in Guangxi. After the workshop, PCD has supported small-scale participatory action research projects initiated by the workshop participants: this is an important step for all of us - partner groups and PCD - to further our learning on the issue. All of the pilot projects have been completed. The case story here demonstrates how local knowledge on biodiversity is intricately linked with traditional livelihoods and culture.

The project “Participatory Action Research on the planting of Lusheng Bamboo for community sustainable livelihoods” is carried out by the Plant Protection Institute of the Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Lusheng is the name of a flute which is central in Miao culture Guizhou. Making Lusheng requires precision and skills, which have been passed down through the Miao generations.

The raw material for Lusheng is a particular indigenous bamboo species, named after the musical instrument. Lusheng Bamboo is no longer planted very widely, and there is some concern that Lusheng production will therefore vanish one day.

This project works in partnership with a community group in Xinguang Village to research the technology of and the social arrangement appropriate for the replanting Lusheng Bamboo in the community.

It is said that Lusheng culture in Xinguang Village, which is near Kaili City in Guizhou, has a history of more than 300 years. There are at present more than 60 Lusheng craftsmen, mostly men, in a population of 326 village households. Not only is the production of Lusheng a renowned feature of Xinguang village, its local Lusheng performance troupe is also well-regarded. The craftsmen have traditionally made a relatively good living from Lusheng production; they have been among the wealthier members of their community. However, with the shortage of Lusheng Bamboo nearby, the remaining craftsmen very often have to travel long distances to find their materials. The current trend of young people in Xinguang migrating to the cities for their livelihoods is also affecting the diminishing supply of Lusheng: lessand less is grown. The future supply of Lusheng Bamboo is really not very promising.

The project team is formed of researchers from the the Plant Protection Institute of Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences; they have considered the methodology of participatory technology development to revive the planting of Lusheng Bamboo. They have been working closely with members of the local community to identify the source of Lusheng shoots and to experiment on organic planting technique to adapt to the local ecological conditions. Other than technical concerns, the project also aspires to uphold the principles of community participation and equity; for instance, disadvantaged households are included in the technical extension for Lusheng Bamboo planting. The trading of the raw materials for Lusheng production then happens locally among community members. The craftsmen who benefit from this project are also motivated to pass on their skills to interested members of the community.

The community has been participating enthusiastically in the project. They have organised several village assemblies to discuss the details of Lusheng Bamboo planting, to form coordinating groups and to provide an important participatory platform for mutual learning and for project monitoring as well.

The project has generated new research experience for the team members. The project partner, The Plant Protection Institute of Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, shared their reflections on the process: “It involves a cycle of action -> reflection -> action -> reflection throughout the entire process. By doing so, we are not only motivating villagers participation in the project, their capacity to take part is also strengthened … the villagers have played a central role in the whole process, they have put forward ideas on how things should be done. This has also been a capacity building exercise for the research team. In the past, we used to carry out experiments on our own before applying the results to the field. Sometimes we have asked people to act according to our instructions, and have paid little attention to what they think and like. We feel that the two ways of doing things are so different.”

(written by: He Rongfu, The Plant Protection Institute of Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences)