From Economizing to Ecologizing: Emerging an Integrated Perspective

The complex wickedness of many of today’s social and ecological problems calls for more integral thinking to bring better alignment between human activities, particularly economic and business activities, and ecological realities. This paper integrates emerging knowledge about the differences between right (holistic) and left (analytic) brain thinking, Indigenous wisdom, and the physics, biology, complexity, and chaos sciences into ideas for a new economic orthodoxy. Doing so offers the potential to shift away from today’s predominantly economizing mindsets towards integrated ecologizing mindsets that more holistically and realistically represent the world. Drawing on recent work that articulates six core values for a life-affirming economic orthodoxy, this paper explores that shift away from business as usual with today’s dominant neoliberal economics towards an integrated ecologizing socio-ecology. The need is to translate economizing mindsets associated with neoliberal economics into ecologizing ones through ideas that prioritize stewardship, collective value, cosmopolitan localism, regenerativity, relationality, and equitable markets.

Plants of Temples and Religious Places in Khandesh Region (Maharashtra): An Ethnobotanical Perspective

Plants have been, since time immemorial, the focus of religious purposes for many human societies worldwide. Because of efficacious use in religious aspects, some plant species are said to be important. Certain plants are held sacred due to their intimate association with special locations like temple courtyards. These locations are easily overlooked for scientific investigations. People are closely associated with the plant-wealth in such places as well although on religious ground. These need to be tapped for indigenous wisdom for human welfare. The present authors inventorised three districts of Khandesh region (Maharashtra) to divulge plantlore. Total 28 species belonging to 27 genera and 21 angiospermic families are presently focussed touching four aspects viz., sacredness, miscellaneous uses, cosmetics and medicinal utilities. The worshippers, trustees and people intimately associated with temples and religious places have been interviewed to tap down traditional ethnobotanical information. This work provides an account of religious and cultural ways of conserving biodiversity. At the same, these places help improve local environment. Further studies in a country like India are desired to unearth the potentials of religious locations.

Sisters in Solidarity: Resistance and Agency through Urban Community Food Gardens in Pietermaritzburg

In this article I explore the solidarity, resistance and agency of a group of women involved in an urban community food garden project in collaboration with the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action (PACSA). I explore this initiative through the lenses of African Women’s Theology (AWT) and Oikos Theology and suggest that urban community food gardens represent a cooperation with nature and a resistance to social structures and systems that perpetuate marginalization, inequality, and subjugation of women. AWT provides a means to theorize and theologize women’s suffering and agency, and Oikos Theology recognizes the connection between economy and ecology. I tease out how ecological and indigenous wisdom applied in urban community food gardens results in a mutually sustaining relationship between local communities and the earth. I also show how the development of an ecological consciousness not only serves to mitigate food insecurity but empowers women to resist systems and structures of oppression and to embrace affirming and life-giving traditions.

The encyclopedia of agroecology and Indigenous wisdom: Reflections on McFadden’s Deep Agroecology

Presenting an array of facts and an encyclopedia of ideas, Deep Agroecology: Food, Farms, and Our Future, by journalist Steven McFadden, urges the reader to activate their ‘spiritual understanding’ of agriculture in order to elevate all life on Earth. The author calls for nothing short of a spiritual awakening of all human beings to prevent further deterioration of the planet. As our climate falls into chaos, oceans warm, deserts grow, and the ice poles melt, McFadden argues, infusing and sustaining greater spirituality in farming practices is essential for the food system and farmers, for our culture, and for the health of the planet. McFadden’s goal with this book is not just to explore agroecology but to advocate for an additional “realm of critical mystery” (p. xiii) in our conception of farming. . . .

Decolonizing Health in Canada: A Manitoba First Nation Perspective

Background This paper focuses on a longitudinal research program in Manitoba, Canada, by the Innovation Supporting Transformation in Community-Based Research Project (iPHIT) to learn from First Nations across the province that have developed effective community-based primary healthcare models. The research is relevant and timely as First Nations across the country, and Indigenous populations globally, work towards improvements in population health and health equity via critical analysis and restructuring of health services. The purpose of the paper is to deepen an understanding of decolonization as it is defined within the communities, as a central aspect of health restructuring. Methods The study is a qualitative, grounded theory analysis, which is a constructivist approach to social research that allows for generation of theory in praxis, through interactions and conversations between researchers and research participants. Findings are based on 183 in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions with participants from 8 Manitoba First Nation communities. The study was designed to understand strengths, limitations and priorities of primary healthcare strategies and frameworks of the communities. The iPHIT team was an active collaborative partnership between the First Nation communities, First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, and the University of Manitoba. The First Nation partners led in all aspects of the research, from development to implementation, data collection, analyses, and dissemination. Respected Elders from the communities also guided in appropriate research and engagement protocols. Results Data was coded and then grouped into 4 interconnecting themes. These are: (1) First Nation control of healthcare, (2) traditional medicine and healing activities, (3) full community participation, and (4) moving out of colonization involves cleaning up and moving beyond the mess that colonization has inflicted. Conclusion Decolonizing health involves a taking back of Indigenous wisdom and traditional activities; connections to the land, resources; intra- and inter-community relationships. Participants emphasized the value of full community engagement with respect to inclusion of different interpretations of and experiences in the world, highlighting creation of a shared vision. The study focused on First Nation community experiences and interests in Manitoba specifically, though the data may be applicable to national and global decolonization efforts.

Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabellifer L., Arecaceae) as a Valuable Resource for Livelihood Security in Odisha, India

The present study (April 2015 to March 2018) is carried out to document and enlist the indigenous utilization pattern of Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) in coastal districts of Odisha, India. The purpose of the research is to explore multipurpose use of Palmyra palm with the aim to suggest for proper marketing of the products which provides livelihood support to the rural people of Odisha. Exploratory assessment is made through field survey, literature consultations and key informant interviews. Various plant parts such as root, stem, leaves, inflorescence, seed, and fruit are used for various purposes including food, beverage, fiber, medicinal, and timber. This plant has been instrumental for indigenous people in providing a substantial livelihood through their own indigenous wisdom from collection to the processing of products. Certain measures for its better utility are suggested.