The problem of eco-development and the importance of indigenous knowledge in an environmentally sound rural development strategy

This paper argues that eco-development is about the peasant's environment and resource sustainability, rural self-reliance and risk minimization, and the role of culture and indigenous technology in rural development in Africa. Conservation and sustainability of resources is a top priority to the life of a peasant producer. Of critical importance is the value of bringing about selfsustaining improvements that the peasant/community understands and appreciates. Planning and implementation must, therefore, involve the peasant and the community.