Integrating Indigenous Knowledge Research System ( IKRS ) and / with Livestock Health Intervention Program to Complement Natural Resource Conservation

| Worldwide stakeholders have acknowledged the role of Indigenous Knowledge Research System (IKRS) as cost effective, readily accessible and sustainable solution. Several studies reflect documentation and assessment of indigenous veterinary practices. However, limited research studies have been conducted to demonstrate suitable model for integrating IKRS with livestock health intervention system. This exploratory research study explains utilization of IKRS in Gujarat and Manipur state of India. The study revealed that farmers were keen to embrace IKRS due to availability of practices, failure of conventional medications against certain ailments. Farmers were found to be aware of medicinal properties of plants, and acclaimed knowledge holders in usage of IKRS in their regions. These indigenous technologies or practices were location specific and innovative. The findings reiterated that State Department of Animal Husbandry (SDAH) alone cannot provide quality livestock health care. The support of SDAH, dairy societies and university research system is paramount for conservation and wider diffusion. Advancement of systemic response to indigenous healers can enable them to organize and acknowledge each other’s effort through co-operative spirit. These frugal innovations can complement existing health care system and enhance livestock welfare, if only natural resources are conserved. Willingness, abilities of knowledge holders, farmers being part of research system, their experimental learning and knowledge of medicinal plants have to be reflected while designing disease control programs. Non-monetary incentives and diverse ways of engagement with knowledge holders are pre-requisite for sustaining, scaling knowledge systems. A suitable framework is shared for invigorating IKRS through utilizing, conserving natural resources with the help of existing formal and informal veterinary institutions.


INTRODUCTION
F ood security and opportunity for gainful employment has been challenge with increasing population pressure. In this context, the demand for animal products will be doubled by 2050 and it will be felt in Asia, Africa and Latin-America (NJAS, 2013).Thus livestock production system is an important sector for specialized as well as small holder farming system. However, livestock manage-ment has been difficult with changing rural context such as limited or lack of grazing land (Doumbia et al., 2012), availability of medications (Usha et al., 2016), increased cost (Ritter et al., 2012), disease resistance (Nabukenya et al., 2014;Raot et al., 2016) and emergence of challenges in public health. The social concern of climate change and contribution of livestock in production of greenhouse gas emissions have to be addressed. More attention has been given to enhance ability of society to cope with environment Different production systems influence decision of farmers to implement disease control strategies ( Jemberu et al., 2015). Recognizing problems at community level is an essential step for supporting any interventional activities . Dependence of farmers over dairy co-operative societies may be considered for enhancing utilization of location specific technologies under smallholder production system . Recent trends indicate that frugalization have more potential as customer requirements have strong regional characterization and industrial response were not structured (Colledani et al., 2016).Local communities need to be in forefront towards knowledge creating, distribution and sharing system (Lwoga et al., 2010). Kolawole et al. (2007) shared that indigenous system provided platform for local level decision. People's capabilities and social connections were critical criteria while devising suitable strategies for utilization of natural resources (Sangha et al., 2015). Creative expressions of informal society can provide solutions and accessibility to appropriate technology (Kumar et al., 2013). They can empathize and understand to develop solutions through co-creation among themselves (Surtia et al., 2016). It is essential to identify new approaches where farmers can participate equally for agricultural development (Yacob et al., 2012).
Linear model of livestock health strategy comprising of technologies originating from research stations and im-plemented with the help of state animal husbandry departments have to be reviewed. There is an urgent need to adopt, sustain and scale-up societal learning from creative and experimental farmers, knowledge holders under IKRS. These livestock production systems are traditionally supported by plant based native knowledge system so as to meet their location specific need (Singh and Sureja, 2006). However, preservation of natural habitats in developing countries has been a daunting task given rapid population growth and agricultural expansion (Aluja et al., 2014). Initiatives to conserve indigenous knowledge is paramount as loss of this vital knowledge system affects rural communities (Dwebaa and Mearns, 2011).
Ability to understand and utilize Indigenous Knowledge Research System (IKRS) for overcoming inadequacies has been limited. These technological solutions from non-formal innovators can be diffused through open sharing (Abrol and Gupta, 2014). Farmers adopt technologies derived from IKRS due to limited access for modern veterinary facilities (Ghorai et al., 2016). At least 80 percent of people use these knowledge systems in developing countries (Balaji and Chakravarthi, 2010). The projected growth of these low end technologies were higher than high end technologies (Ravikumar et al., 2015a). It has to be noted that carriers of technology are as equally important as technology in improvising agricultural situation (Brian and Chatterton, 1982). Thus there is a need to examine the role of knowledge holders apart from other human resource involved in technology transfer. Emphasis have been made for participatory approaches to incorporate learnings from indigenous people while planning, conducting research (Kaya and Seleti, 2013). More research has to be undertaken to understand relationship between knowledge integration and strengthening social-ecological context (Bohensky and Maru, 2011). Lack of knowledge or prior experience with alternative therapies can influence willingness of farmers to treat for ailments (Richert et al., 2013). Diversified approaches are needed in protecting these plant based knowledge system as welfare of livestock provides income generating activity. This is more significant among vulnerable members of society who mostly rear small ruminants, equines and backyard poultry. Livestock sector provides opportunity for women in gainful employment as well (Ramkumar et al., 2004). Gupta (1984) opined that public system have to play appropriate role to match expectation of backward regions. The realization has happened lately that in order to avail extremely affordable technologies society has to learn from green grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge holders (Gupta, 2012). Strategies have to be advocated in utilization of niche specific technologies, and enhancing their availability in farmers field (Ravikumar et al., 2015b). The present study made an attempt to strengthen knowledge system in their field for facilitating livestock health care through natural resources.

Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences
March 2016 | Volume 4 | Special issue 1 | Page 34

MATERIALS AND METHODS
An exploratory research study was carried out to gain relevant knowledge and understanding in utilizing and reviving natural resource based livestock health intervention under IKRS (Kerlinger, 2004). Extensive field studies were conducted in the state of Gujarat and Manipur, India during 2013-2015. The information was gathered over a period of time in different parts of India to unearth interactions under IKRS like social influence, community network, and social rewards apart from livestock welfare. The study tried to provide intellectual space for local knowledge systems so as to advance stakeholder's niche advantages. This is as per methodology indicated by Minh et al. (2014). The study tried to identify critical role of plant based IKRS towards livestock health care service delivery system. The paper also shared a conceptual framework for frugal livestock innovation management elements comprising knowledge holders, farmers and formal veterinary institutions in effective utilization of natural resources.

sTuDY aRea
Seven localities purposively selected from two districts in Gujarat and one district in Manipur, India were the area of study. Observations were recorded based on field experimentation at villages viz., Amarapur, Ambod, Limbodara and Indranagar of Mansa Taluk, Gandhinagar district and Hadida of Saverkundla Taluk, Amreli district, Gujarat. Similarly prevailing knowledge systems were identified in two villages viz., Heinoubok Awang and Oinam Bazar in Nambol region of Bishnupur district, Manipur. Interaction with the members of these communities was made through a community meeting among knowledge holders. Necessary efforts were made and observations recorded through village meetings, interpersonal interactions so as to understand nature of participation and organizing ability among them.

meThoD of impLemenTaTion
The observations and inference were drawn to manage livestock ailments through plant based medications. These meetings were organized in each village during and after intervention with indigenous medications to treat livestock ailments. During these meetings relevance of natural resources in addressing specific problem faced by farming community towards control of parasitic infestation (ectoparasite and endoparasite), mastitis in livestock, and organizing ability of knowledge holders were examined and inferred.

ReLucTance of faRmeRs To aDopT scienTificaLLY known TechnoLogies: conTRoL of woRm infesTaTion
Productivity of livestock is affected by common problems like endoparasite infestation. Package of practices and simple measures of administration of anthelmintic bolus has been the strategy of SDAH as well as dairy societies. In the study region villagers were not far off from their dairy society and were aware of clinical symptoms of affected animals like diarrhoea. However, they could not ensure required medication and were found reluctant to seek, adopt common technological products from dairy society. This is in concurrence with Gupta (2016) who observed that the people were not able to access affordable innovations. This may be due to lack of social interaction between service provider and end users. Brian and Chatterton (1982) confirmed that during technology transfer process role of farmers was underestimated. During this period, research team visited their premises, examined their animals and shared clinical observations. Villagers readily agreed for community meeting and discussed modalities of implementing new intervention strategy. Members of these community voluntarily offered their affected animals for treatment with indigenous veterinary medications. Two herbal medications based on knowledge of Shri Dayabhai Bharwad and community knowledge had provided relief to farm animals (Bharwad et al., 2015;Gaikwad et al., 2015).
During experimentation it was observed that farmers did not differentiate conventional or indigenous technologies during application of intervention. These are characteristics of subsistence farming under small holder production system. The successful intervention in treatment of endoparasite infestation in farmer's field through IKRS reinforces belief that frugal technologies can be adopted to control ailments. It is the role of local institutions who can provide catalytic power for advancement of any technology. The medicinal values of these plants were known to farming community either through historical context or by understanding the specific utility in control of ailments. These plants are locally available and community was in know of these plants and their usage. Nabukenya et al. (2014) indicated that majority of farmers believed these practices as effective, safe and therefore did not standardize dosage. Several studies have documented them and useful knowledge has been retained (Ritter et al., 2012). Livestock owners favoured indigenous knowledge due to availability of flora, cost effectiveness and being compatible to their system. This is in concurrence with Singh and Chauhan (2010) and Manoj et al. (2012). It was found that even known functional role of medicinal plant based IKRS remained unexplored at end users level. Some regions in the world like Mediterranean are yet to explore this knowledge system as it is more oriented towards specialized research (Castel et al., 2003). The availability of market based technology transfer works fairly well in regions that have better purchasing power (Hiremath et al., 2006). It is true that these systems try to optimise available resources (Rangnekar, 2011) and therefore there is a need for SDAH and other veterinary institutions to engage farmers in adopting IKRS based disease control measures for wider diffusion.

how To access aLTeRnaTive TechnoLogY when package of pRacTices faiL? conTRoL of Tick infesTaTion
Technologies are mostly derived to overcome specific etiological agent and to maximize profit. Industry approaches clientele based on these objectives and formal institutional stakeholders provide feedback on effectiveness of product. Investigations in the study regions revealed that farming community continuously adopted conventional medications to overcome tick infestation. Re-infestation of ticks after adopting scientific package was noticed within duration of thirty days. Farmers were compelled to call veterinary resource personnel at different times and faced with emotional difficulties in control of ticks (Kadivendi et al., 2015). There was no reluctance to purchase of medicines against tick infestation though farmers were aware of reoccurrence. They were ready to pay not only cost of product but also resource personnel's support. Under such circumstances, frontline veterinary personnel's and farmers were found to be helpless. It was challenging situation for frontline service providers as appropriate scientific technologies were not available. Modern technologies are often designed through efficacy study at specific location and not necessarily multi-location trials. These features indicated that development or availability of alternate technologies through conventional channel of distribution may not be quick and economical. These medications at farmer's region were not meeting their requirements and community incurred more loss. The challenge was to address welfare issues of livestock population that spreads over wider geographical area under different production systems. Thus public system needs to act swiftly to minimize unwarranted effects of synthetic acaricide Infact, drawbacks of intensive livestock production has been debated and research opinions shared for sustaining livestock farming with social concerns (NJAS, 2013).
In agricultural system, technological innovation and technical change can happen through learning by doing and modification of traditional practices ( Jain and Verloop, 2012). A polyherbal spray preparation for control of tick infestation that consists of neem (Azadirachta indica A Juss) locally called as Limbado and Monks Pepper (Vitex negundo L.), locally called as Nagod was shared among villagers. Demonstrations were conducted to showcase in-situ preparation of standardized formulation as per Ravikumar et al. (2015c). The acaricide property of both ingredients was widely known and farmers started adopting this preparation immediately. Few farmers acted as information gate-keepers before entire community recognized and adopted herbs based on no cost locally available solu-tion. During implementation, it was found that both men and women farmers operated as information gate-keepers. Social benefit was derived by rural communities in control of tick infestation based on natural resources . This led to launch of national campaign in control of tick infestation through low cost, locally available (LCLA) environment friendly solutions. The implications of control of ticks was not only limited to it, but beyond as they act as vector for economic ailments. The common knowledge of society has to be braced for enhancing scope of social interactions and trust among institutions. Thus such experimental models based on open source technological intervention need to emerge in-order to effectively use IKRS through frugal solutions. Community based validation exercise lends credibility and reinforce location specific knowledge systems. This is in concurrence with Shen et al. (2010) who opined that IKRS can minimize input cost for small holder farming system. This approach may enhance rate of adoption of socially acceptable medications in control of livestock ailments (Raot et al., 2016). These illustrate that the method of technology transfer has to be reoriented in scaling up of IKRS through these models of engagements.

who can susTain ikRs anD cReaTive spiRiT of infoRmaL socieTY? conTRoL of masTiTis
The higher use of IKRS is due to low cost and no side effect of these preparations (Parthiban et al., 2016). The study was conducted by field experimentation with help of knowledge holders and farmers through social mobilization. In majority of indigenous research approach, knowledge holders did not get desired opportunity to get feedback of their technology and to share their experimental experience. However, they are the major actor in the entire value chain of IKRS. Similar observations were reported by Devaki and Mathialagan (2015). An experimental research study at farmer's field for testing indigenous medication against mastitis revealed a refreshing approach. New knowledge was gained upon sharing scientific test results with community and knowledge holder (Devgania et al., 2015). Formal institutions need to gear up to evaluate IKRS scientifically at farmer's situation. This involves changes in institutional arrangements to seek research priorities and act as interface for technology transfer. Dorado-García et al. (2015) referred that antimicrobial use has to be reduced in food producing animals since it enhances prevalence of disease resistant bacteria. There is a necessity to bring visible evidence for sustaining IKRS as quickly as possible. Henceforth new means of identifying knowledge and utilizing them have to be explored.
The identification of novel practice was influenced by factors such as interaction among farming communities, experimental knowledge of individual knowledge hold-er outside formal system and process of sharing scientific evidence at farmers premises. Non-monetary incentive through acknowledging and recognizing knowledge holder by community had played role. These social values are paramount to sustain and to continue sharing of IKRS for future generation. Village level veterinary institutions can play key role in identifying these healers. These are essential component of well-functioning of institutions as it is based on trust. Studies call for leveraging link between healers and veterinary resource personnel's for sustaining this knowledge system (Tiwari and Pande, 2010). Fostering association between indigenous and formal institutions is crucial for sustaining natural resources (Alexander et al., 2011). These innovation process share commonalities of non-linear model as discussed by Mikhaylova (2014). Further, technologies developed under IKRS may address hitherto unserved consumers in developed countries who are increasingly aware of cost (Simula et al., 2015).

capaciTY of knowLeDge hoLDeRs To oRganize ThemseLves: foRmaTion of knowLeDge neTwoRk
Backyard poultry rearing is a common practice in the regions of Manipur, India. It is an important income generating activity among small farmers and for food security. A community meeting was planned in the villages of Heinoubok Awang and Oinam Bazar, Nambol, Bishnupur district, Manipur. The purpose of the meeting was to share, discus identified novel herbal practice and to explain scientific validation of indigenous poultry medication against coccidiosis in poultry. These meetings were held on 28th February 2013 at Heinoubok Awang as well as in Oin-am Bazar. Knowledge holders at Heinoubok Awang acknowledged widely prevalent usage of herbal medication in treatment of poultry ailment. They were ready to organize themselves and to meet other knowledge holders away from their village at Oinam Bazar. Knowledge holders from two different villages had discussed and respected each other's wisdom in treatment of poultry ailment. During these interactive meeting, members of the community deliberated and worked out representatives for recognizing, scaling up of their system of knowledge. These features illustrate that creative community can use and understand prevalent wisdom in their vicinity. In most regions, it was observed that farming community did not empathise on individual merit but readily acknowledged the role of community as a whole. This evidence is important as co-operative spirit of society have to be harnessed in overcoming challenge of providing quality livestock health care. This helped in establishment of knowledge holder's network through mutual respect. This is one of the few studies to narrate requirement to share value added knowledge and to strengthen healer's network. Similar observations were noted by Raot et al. (2016) wherein engagement with creative communities help in formation of knowledge network. These meetings enabled participation of women knowledge holders as they need not to travel long distance. This was in agreement with . Medicinal value of these herbs can be protected by supporting such creative community groups through socially relevant research. Institutional mechanisms need to gear up for better utilization of these natural resources for availing affordable solution at farmer's doorstep. Application of these knowledge systems through suitable approaches towards strengthening local systems were stressed (Balaji and Chakravarthi, 2010). It is also an established fact that inspite of modern medicine, the tradition of indigenous veterinary practices has survived till date (Mazars, 1994). In India, efforts of National Innovation Foundation-India in establishment of livestock innovation system through indigenous knowledge were shared. This include support extended by state department of animal husbandry (SDAH), recognition of knowledge holders by formal institutions by undertaking research, wider adoption and development of alternative technologies from IKRS . The creative spirit of farming community can be sustained by addressing their imminent problem through value added natural resources. Experimentation involving insitu incubation of IKRS have to be scaled up. This is vital for strengthening and sustaining experimental wisdom of knowledge holders and farmers. Technologies derived from IKRS can be classified as clean technologies and developmental policies have to focus on large scale implementation for climate smart production system. Similar views were shared in different countries towards management of climate change by smallholder farmers (Achiando and Birech, 2013;Ogalleh et al., 2012). However, conservation of agro-ecosystem and socio-cultural system is paramount to protect these practices (Verma, 2014).
Experimental research was conducted to overcome challenges of ectoparasite infestation, endoparasites, mastitis among farm animals and coccidiosis in birds (Table 1).
These ailments are economically important as they challenge productivity of livestock. They were commonly known to farmers, veterinary service providers but unnoticed due to less dramatic nature, lack of diagnosis at farmer's field and poor quality livestock health care. The constraint was due to different types of farming system as specialized livestock farms such as poultry units, organized cow sheds were distantly located from veterinary institutions. Herbal based IKRS where readily taken up by farmers to minimize impact of disease. The study also illustrated the need to engage with farmers before executing such intervention strategies. Herbal remedies shared by knowledge holders along with institutional support of animal husbandry department were found to be useful (Visvesvaran and Thirumalaiswamy, 2015). Similar observations by  suggested measures to dovetail these technologies into animal health care system through on-farm applications. The need to support poultry production system through IKRS has been shared as well (Ghorai et al., 2016;Ravikumar et al., 2016b).

TYpe of innovaTion moDeLs foR Reviving anD ReinfoRcing naTuRaL ResouRces ThRough ikRs
The potential of application of local knowledge were tried outside the region of documentation and found successful in treatment of livestock ailments (Periyaveeturaman et al., 2015;Bharwad et al., 2015). This reiterates that the skill of native system has to be protected for which models of utilization of IKRS by farming communities were shared (Table 2). These can be through Non Linear Innovation System [NLIS] and Open Source Innovation

suggesTeD fRamewoRk foR mainsTReaming ikRs To compLemenT pLanT ResouRce baseD weLfaRe sYsTem
The role of public system is significant in providing veterinary health service for disease prevention and productivity.  (Keating and McCown, 2001). These systems act together through established process (formal institutions) or through inherent process (informal institutions) so as to provide desirable outcome. Any livestock intervention program has to understand and include these working arrangements. The study indicates that prevailing knowledge of community or healers can be utilized and welfare of livestock can be protected.
The fundamental feature of Indigenous Knowledge Research System is to depend on natural resources. Conserving natural resources is paramount to continue the tradition of utilizing environmental friendly plant based livestock health care system. This will help in implementing activities which can engage societal learning of farming community and to view necessary institutional changes. The physically demanding livestock farming activity pose distinct challenge to women in seeking veterinary services. The local knowledge of plants and readily accessible simple means of dispensation can minimize their drudgery. These gender sensitive welfare issues will enhance scope of reviving local tradition as it can be passed on to successive generations. The framework representing frugal livestock innovation management elements are indicated (Table 3). The study articulated the need for guarding organizing capacity of informal knowledge system and to sustain conservation efforts of natural resources under prevailing situation.