The Poor Prole’s Almanac

In this episode, we chat with Executive Director of Project Gutenberg, Dr. Greg Newby. We talk about the role of open access to knowledge and how copyright has played into a complicated mess that inhibits artistic development. To learn more, check out Project Gutenberg at https://www.gutenberg.org/ The Distributed Proofreaders volunteer page can be found at https://www.pgdp.net/c/     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

We chat with Dr. Greg Susla of the Pry Civil War Garden at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine about the role of plants in medicine, as well as the history of plant-based medicine, and the challenges that come from it.   The National Museum of Civil War Medicine's Pry Garden website can be found at https://www.civilwarmed.org/pry-garden/   To see Greg's work, check out https://www.civilwarmed.org/pry-garden/   Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

In this episode we talk about invasive species and their relationship with climate change, globalism, and ecology. We also talk about our favorite edible invasives.   For more of Jackson's work, check out his two books "Eating Aliens" and "The Beginners Guide to Hunting Deer for Food"     Support this podcast by becoming a Patron at: https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

We chat with Princeton's Dr. Dan Rubenstein and we talk about the science behind holistic grazing and the role of horizontal, cooperative-models can provide a resilient framework for food systems as climate change further tests our global food systems.   You can support this project at patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac or visit us at poorproles.com    

  Podcast Summary Discover the transformative world of food justice and climate-resilient farming with Nathan Kleinman, co-founder of the Experimental Farm Network. Nathan shares his vision of empowering local growers to cultivate plants tailored to their unique climates, challenging the corporate dominance in agriculture. Our conversation illuminates the potential of perennial crops like sorghum and kernza, highlighting their environmental benefits and promising role in sustainable agriculture. We explore how grassroots initiatives can redefine our food systems, emphasizing the resilience of historical agricultural practices. The pandemic has reshaped our approach to food security, and we discuss the vital role of community-based solutions. Explore seed rematriation, a movement to return seeds to indigenous communities, and the establishment of seed libraries and banks to bolster local food production. Nathan's insights reveal the cultural and historical significance of these efforts, advocating for a future where communities reclaim their agricultural heritage. We delve into the complexities of plant intellectual property and champion the Open Source Seed Initiative as a beacon of hope for open-access seed sharing. Uncover the untapped potential of rare edible plants and underutilized crops like tartary buckwheat and acorns, which offer exciting possibilities for sustainable food sources. As we expand seed diversity, we underscore the importance of genetic variety in preventing agricultural vulnerabilities. The Experimental Farm Network's work to promote diversity in plant genetics is vital for food security and resilience. Join us as we imagine a future where localized food systems thrive, driven by the ingenuity of community growers and the rich tapestry of regional flavors and cultural identities. For more information, visit: https://www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/ For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/ Key Words: Food Justice, Climate-Resilient Farming, Experimental Farm Network, Perennial Crops, Sorghum, Kernza, Sustainable Agriculture, Grassroots Initiatives, Seed Rematriation, Seed Libraries, Seed Banks, Edible Plants, Genetic Diversity, Open Source Seed Initiative, Rare Crops, Tartary Buckwheat, Acorns, Localized Food Systems, Regional Flavors, Cultural Identities    

In this episode, we chat with author, activist, organizer, speaker, and producer scott crow about building dual power and developing a sense of community. We discuss the challenges of the activist community, creating spaces, and the role of politics in prepping.   Check out his work: https://www.scottcrow.org/ https://www.emergencyhearts.com/   Support this podcast by becoming a Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/PoorProlesAlmanac  

This is the intro to our new interview series, where we tie all of the components of the series together and some of our thoughts about the series after wrapping it up!

In the final episode of the series, we reflect on how indigenous agriculture reflects and doesn't reflect the framework of permaculture. How have we seen in previous episodes examples of new foodways that can show us a path forward from where we currently exist? This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" serves as a concluding discussion for the podcast's mini-series on indigenous foodways. The hosts, Andy and Elliott, revisit their previous critiques of permaculture, emphasizing the need to move beyond superficial applications of indigenous knowledge and engage more deeply with the historical and ecological context of sustainable agriculture. Permaculture's Shortcomings: A Topical Approach The hosts reiterate their concern that permaculture often adopts a "topical representation" of indigenous knowledge, applying techniques without fully understanding their underlying principles or the complex relationships they embody. They argue that this approach fails to recognize the deep connection between indigenous people and their landscapes, a connection forged over generations of lived experience. Permaculture, they suggest, risks becoming a form of "ecological colonialism," imposing pre-packaged solutions without acknowledging the specific needs and histories of different environments. The hosts point to the example of fruit trees, a staple in many permaculture designs, as an illustration of this disconnect. While fruit trees may be beneficial in certain contexts, their heavy reliance in permaculture contrasts with the practices of many indigenous cultures, who often utilize a wider diversity of food sources. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding the historical and ecological factors that have shaped traditional food systems. The hosts also express concern that permaculture's focus on mimicking natural systems can lead to oversimplification, neglecting the intricate web of relationships that sustain healthy ecosystems. They use the example of fruit drop in permaculture food forests, arguing that the abundance of uneaten fruit, while seemingly beneficial, disrupts the natural flow of energy within a complex ecosystem. Gaps in Knowledge, Assumptions, and the Erasure of History The hosts emphasize that permaculture's shortcomings stem from "gaps in knowledge" and underlying assumptions about indigenous practices. They argue that permaculture often fails to acknowledge the historical context of indigenous agriculture, including the deliberate erasure of pre-capitalist societies and their sustainable food systems. This erasure, they suggest, creates a distorted view of indigenous knowledge, leading to its superficial application in permaculture. The hosts call for a more critical engagement with history, urging listeners to explore the rich traditions and ecological wisdom embedded in indigenous cultures. They argue that understanding the historical trajectory of agriculture, including the impacts of colonialism and capitalism, is essential for developing truly sustainable food systems. Moving Forward: Reconnecting with Our Ecological Roots While acknowledging the positive aspects of permaculture, the hosts advocate for a more nuanced and context-specific approach to sustainable agriculture. They stress the importance of: Learning from Indigenous Histories: Engaging with indigenous communities and their traditional knowledge systems to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and their ecological underpinnings. Reclaiming Our Own Indigenous Pasts: Recognizing that all cultures have a history of connection to the land and exploring how those connections can inform contemporary approaches to agriculture. Building Authentic Relationships with the Land: Moving beyond superficial mimicry of nature and developing a deeper understanding of the complex ecological relationships that sustain life. The hosts conclude by emphasizing that the goal is not to abandon permaculture altogether but to refine its principles and application, ensuring that it honors indigenous knowledge and contributes to the restoration of healthy ecosystems. They call for a shift in perspective, moving away from a "top-down" approach to agriculture and embracing a more collaborative and place-based model that recognizes the interconnectedness of human communities and the natural world. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Exploring Anishinaabe foodways and the cultural significance of wild rice, the podcast delves into the sacred nature of manoomin in Anishinaabe culture. It discusses preserving Anishinaabe foodways and traditions, focusing on decolonization as a tool for reclaiming cultural history and self-determination.

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" focuses on the Turkana people of northwestern Kenya and their remarkable ability to adapt to the challenges of a changing environment. The hosts, Elliott and Andy, explore the history of the Turkana people and their transition from a resource-rich, semi-nomadic lifestyle to their present-day existence in an arid region surrounding Lake Turkana. From Abundance to Aridity: A Changing Ecology The episode highlights the drastic environmental changes the Turkana region has undergone. Once a fertile area with abundant water sources, the region experienced a significant shift in climate, leading to the formation of Lake Turkana, the world's largest desert lake. The hosts point out that this transition wasn't a sudden event but a gradual process that unfolded over centuries, allowing the Turkana people to adapt their practices in response to the evolving landscape. Early Subsistence Strategies: Before the drying period, the Turkana people relied heavily on fishing and hunting, supplementing their diet with pastoral farming. Evidence of bone harpoons suggests a significant reliance on the lake's resources. Adaptation to Aridity: As the climate changed, the Turkana shifted their focus to livestock herding, primarily cattle, camels, and caprines (goats and sheep), while still maintaining a diverse approach to utilizing available resources. Resilient Strategies: Managing Livestock and Land in a Harsh Environment The hosts emphasize the crucial role of livestock in the Turkana people's survival and their intricate strategies for managing both livestock and land in a challenging environment. Diversified Herds: The Turkana maintain a variety of livestock, each adapted to different grazing habits, ensuring that they can utilize a wider range of plant resources. This diversity minimizes the impact of localized droughts and helps regenerate the landscape. Decentralized Herding: Instead of keeping all their livestock together, the Turkana divide their herds into smaller units, dispersing them across the landscape. This practice minimizes the pressure on any one area and allows for more efficient utilization of scarce resources. Strategic Grazing: The Turkana people carefully manage their grazing patterns, taking advantage of both wet and dry season grazing areas. They move their herds up into the hills during the dry season and utilize the lowlands after the rains, allowing for a more balanced utilization of the land. Staggered Planting: To adapt to the unpredictable rainfall patterns, the Turkana stagger their sorghum planting, utilizing different elevations to ensure that at least some crops will thrive despite potential flooding. This approach reflects a deep understanding of the local environment and a proactive strategy for managing risk. Fallow Practices: The Turkana rotate their farmlands, leaving some areas fallow for multiple years, sometimes even generations. This allows the land to recover and promotes ecological diversity. Integrating Livestock and Forests: The Turkana strategically combine their livestock browsing with their sorghum gardens, selectively clearing younger trees while preserving mature trees. This practice provides shade for their crops during the intense heat, promotes forest regeneration, and creates a more heterogeneous vegetation pattern, enhancing biodiversity. Community as a Cornerstone: Shared Resources and Use Rights The episode explores the social structures that underpin the Turkana people's resilience and adaptability. Ecuar: A Unique System of Use Rights: The Turkana practice a system of land tenure known as "ecuar," which grants individuals the right to use resources, particularly trees, as long as they do not harm them. This system prioritizes the sustainable utilization of resources and ensures their availability for future generations. Communal Ownership and Shared Responsibility: The "ecuar" system is embedded in a broader social structure that emphasizes communal ownership, resource sharing, and collective responsibility. This approach fosters a deep connection to the land and promotes cooperation among community members. The Dhaka: Cooperative Grazing Communities: The Turkana form temporary or semi-permanent cooperative grazing communities called "dhakars" to facilitate herd security, cooperation, and resource sharing. These communities provide a vital support network in the face of challenges like disease, raiding, and drought. Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: The Turkana have a rich knowledge of their local ecosystem, with a deep understanding of plant species and their uses for food and medicine. This knowledge is passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of their sustainable practices. Colonialism and Modernization: Disrupting Traditional Practices The episode also acknowledges the disruptive impact of colonialism and modernization on the Turkana people's traditional practices. Imposed Practices: Colonial interventions, such as the introduction of irrigation systems, destabilized the intricate balance of the Turkana's land management systems. These interventions often disregarded traditional ecological knowledge and led to unintended consequences, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting indigenous practices. Reclaiming Traditional Knowledge: Despite the disruptions, the Turkana are actively working to revive and reclaim their traditional knowledge and practices. This represents a hopeful movement towards revitalizing sustainable and resilient ways of life in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. Concluding Thoughts: Lessons in Resilience and Adaptation The episode concludes by highlighting the valuable lessons we can learn from the Turkana people's ability to adapt to a drastically changed environment. Their intricate strategies for managing resources, their strong community ties, and their deep understanding of their local ecosystem offer insights into how humans can navigate the challenges of climate change and build more sustainable and resilient societies. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/