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Ref ID: 25631
Ref Type: Book Section in a Series
Authors: Spriggs, Matthew
Title: Traditional uses of fresh water in Papua New Guinea: past neglect and future possibilities
Date: 1982
Source: Traditional conservation in Papua New Guinea: implications for today. Proceedings of a conference organized by the Office of Environment and Conservation and the Institute of Applied Social and Economic Research in Port Moresby, 27-31 October, 1980
Place of Publication: Boroko
Abstract: In this paper I deal with traditional methods of conservation and utilization of freshwater resources for domestic and agricultural use. I discuss the distribution of traditional irrigation techniques and give details of technology which show the extent of technical expertise and environmental knowledge involved in these irrigation systems. I consider the causes of a general decline over the last fifty or so years in the use of these techniques. Such traditional irrigation practices may have relevance to some of Papua New Guinea’s food supply problems. I give an example from Vanuatu where a project has been started recently to revive traditional irrigation techniques and suggest that this case study raises questions about the type and scale of development that is desirable at the village level.
Date Created: 12/1/2008
Editors: Morauta, Louise
Pernetta, John
Heaney, William
Volume: 16
Page Start: 257
Page End: 273
Series Editor: Institute of Applied Social and Economic Research
Series Title: Monograph