Interfacing knowledge systems: introducing certified organic agriculture in a tribal society

Organic agriculture continues to be portrayed as a promising alternative for the present ‘unsustainable’ farming practices around the world. The conversion to ‘organic’ is often accompanied by the introduction of universal principles and standards that allow for certification. The research reported on here took place on the interface between two knowledge systems: organic agriculture as interpreted by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the shifting cultivation based system as exemplified by the Naga tribes in the north-east of India. The study demonstrates that the introduction of a universal knowledge system, such as IFOAM, in some cases may actually be counterproductive in the development of contextually appropriate and workable sustainable land management systems. Instead of imposing organic agriculture on local communities in a well-meant attempt to establish a more sustainable agricultural system, the authors conclude that alternative paths towards sustainable development are needed, paths that take into account differing perceptions of what ‘sustainable land use’ means in a specific context. A social learning approach is proposed to create synergy between the two systems.