The Poor Prole’s Almanac

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/

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" explores agroforestry practices in the Western Ghats of India, highlighting the region's unique biodiversity and the long history of human interaction with the landscape. The hosts, Andy and Elliot, examine how indigenous farming practices, particularly the integration of trees into agricultural systems, have shaped this ecologically rich area. They also discuss the impact of colonization and modern agricultural techniques, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change. The Western Ghats: A Hotspot of Biodiversity The Western Ghats, a mountain range along the western coast of India, are recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. The region is characterized by its unique topography, including steep slopes, valleys, and waterfalls, which contribute to a variety of microclimates and habitats. The Western Ghats are home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Traditional Agroforestry: A Sustainable System For centuries, indigenous communities in the Western Ghats have practiced agroforestry, a system that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. This approach involves cultivating crops alongside trees, often in a multi-layered structure, to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Home Gardens of Kerala: The hosts focus on the "home gardens" of Kerala, a state in the Western Ghats, as a prime example of traditional agroforestry. These small, privately owned plots are characterized by high plant density and diversity, with over 120 species packed into just one acre. The home gardens provide a significant portion of the state's food, fuel, and timber needs, demonstrating the potential of small-scale, sustainable agriculture. Benefits of Agroforestry: The hosts emphasize the numerous benefits of agroforestry, including soil protection, water control, biodiversity conservation, and the provision of a wide range of products, such as food, fodder, medicines, and timber. Minimizing Soil Erosion: The dense canopy cover and year-round growing season in these systems effectively minimize soil erosion, even on the steep slopes characteristic of the Western Ghats. This highlights the importance of integrating trees into agricultural landscapes for soil conservation, especially in regions with high rainfall. The Impact of Colonization The arrival of British colonizers in the 18th century significantly disrupted traditional agroforestry practices in the Western Ghats. The British imposed Western land management practices, including the banning of traditional burning techniques and the promotion of monoculture plantations for timber and cash crops like coffee. Loss of Traditional Knowledge: This shift towards industrialized agriculture led to a decline in traditional ecological knowledge and disrupted the sustainable balance that indigenous communities had maintained with the environment for centuries. Fire as a Management Tool The episode discusses the historical use of fire as a land management tool in the Western Ghats. While fire can be destructive, indigenous communities used controlled burning practices to clear land for agriculture, manage pests, and regenerate forests. Ecological Impacts of Fire: The hosts explain that fire can initially reduce plant diversity but ultimately leads to a rebound and even an increase in diversity over time. The creation of canopy gaps and new ecological niches allows for the emergence of new species and increases the overall complexity and resilience of the ecosystem. Modern Fire Challenges: However, the suppression of fire during the colonial period, coupled with climate change and the drying of the landscape, has increased the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, posing a threat to the region's biodiversity. Adapting to the Future The episode concludes by emphasizing the need to learn from the past and adapt traditional agroforestry practices to meet the challenges of the present and future, particularly in the face of climate change. Climate Change Impacts: The hosts note that climate change is already impacting the Western Ghats, with increasing aridity and more frequent droughts. This is likely to exacerbate the challenges of managing fire and conserving biodiversity. The Value of Traditional Knowledge: The hosts argue that traditional ecological knowledge, combined with modern scientific understanding, can help guide sustainable land management practices that can ensure the continued health and productivity of the Western Ghats.   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 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/

How did ancient Japanese communities thrive in harmony with their natural environment? Join us on a fascinating journey through time as we uncover the secrets of sustainable farming practices in Japan. We'll explore how topography, geology, and hydrology shaped traditional agricultural methods, and how these practices compare to Norway's unique infield-outfield landscape. From the intricate Satayama woodlands to the coastal Satoumi areas, discover how these integrated systems sustained communities through careful resource management and ecological balance. In our exploration of sustainable mountain farming, we delve into the ingenious ways Japanese and Norwegian communities adapted to their challenging landscapes. Learn about traditional woodland management, the crucial role of water flow, and how resources like timber, bamboo, and leaf litter supported wetland rice fields. We'll highlight the contrasts and similarities between Japan's moderate climates and Norway's extreme conditions, revealing the diverse strategies cultures employed to live sustainably within their environments. Finally, we tackle the pressing issues of modern landscape conservation. Reflecting on the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Satayama landscapes, we examine the challenges posed by urbanization, modern agricultural practices, and demographic shifts. Discover the authentic relationships historical communities had with their landscapes and the shortcomings of today's restoration initiatives. We'll discuss the importance of genuine engagement with nature and the ongoing efforts to restore and preserve these vital ecosystems. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges the past and present, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices and their relevance today. For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early 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: Sustainable Farming, Japan, Norway, Indigenous Farming, Traditional Agricultural Methods, Satayama Landscape, Coastal Satoumi Areas, Resource Management, Ecological Balance, Mountain Farming, Woodland Management, Water Flow, Timber, Bamboo, Leaf Litter, Wetland Rice Fields, Modern Agricultural Practices, Conservation, Biodiversity, Cultural Heritage, Landscape Management, Satayama Woodlands, Population Growth, Carrying Capacity, Traditional Land Management, Biodiversity, Environmental Restoration, Genuine Engagement, Climate Change, Podcast Growth, Future Episodes, India, Agricultural Systems, Cultural Contexts  

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac," hosted by Andy and Elliott, explores the unique farming practices of indigenous Norwegians, highlighting their integration of hunter-gathering techniques with sustainable agricultural methods. The hosts emphasize the interconnectedness of these practices with the challenging Norwegian landscape and the importance of preserving this fading knowledge. A Holistic Approach to Subsistence The episode focuses on the historical farming practices of Norwegians, particularly those in the western fjord regions, who combined farming with fishing and hunting to create a self-sufficient lifestyle. The hosts emphasize that these practices were not solely focused on agriculture but involved a balanced approach to utilizing the entire landscape, including forests, meadows, and the sea. They highlight the concept of "subsistence farming," where the goal is to produce enough food to sustain the community, rather than generating a surplus for profit. This approach, the hosts argue, led to a deep understanding of the local ecology and a way of life that was in harmony with the environment. Tree Hay: A Sustainable Fodder Solution A central theme of the episode is the use of "tree hay," which involves cutting branches from trees, primarily ash, elm, birch, and willow, and drying the leaves and twigs to feed livestock during the long winters. The hosts explain that this practice was essential for supplementing traditional hay production, especially given the short growing season and limited land suitable for pasture. They describe the various techniques involved in harvesting tree hay, including pollarding (cutting the tree at a specific height), shredding (cutting side branches), and lopping (gathering the branches into bundles for drying). The hosts express fascination with the ingenuity of this practice and its alignment with sustainability principles. They point out that tree hay requires less sophisticated tools than traditional haymaking and is less dependent on long periods of warm weather for drying. They also note the ecological benefits of pollarding and coppicing, such as stimulating new growth, maximizing sunlight penetration, and preventing erosion. Human-Induced Vegetation and Enhanced Biodiversity The episode explores the impact of these farming practices on the Norwegian landscape, resulting in three distinct types of human-induced vegetation: pollard woodlands, wooded pastures, and wooded meadows. The hosts explain that these landscapes, shaped by centuries of human intervention, exhibit significantly greater biodiversity than undisturbed forests. They cite research showing that pollarded woodlands in Norway can have up to seven times more diversity than unmanaged forests. This finding, the hosts argue, challenges the notion that human activity is inherently destructive to the environment and demonstrates the potential for humans to be a positive force in shaping ecosystems. Cluster Farms and Communal Land Use The hosts describe the traditional social structure of Norwegian farming communities, which often involved extended families living in clusters of farms known as "cluster farms" or "hamlets." These communities shared resources and labor, particularly for tasks like haymaking and fishing, demonstrating a strong sense of collective responsibility and mutual support. They note the lack of a specific word for "village" in the Norwegian language, suggesting that this communal way of life was so ingrained in their culture that it did not require a separate term. The episode also highlights the concept of communal land ownership, where access to resources was based on need and collective agreement rather than private property rights. The hosts point out that this system fostered a sense of shared stewardship and ensured that resources were used sustainably. They contrast this approach with the individualistic, profit-driven mindset of modern agriculture, which they argue has led to environmental degradation and social inequality. Adapting Ancient Practices to Modern Contexts The episode concludes by examining contemporary efforts to revive and adapt these traditional practices. The hosts discuss the example of Karee, a farmer who uses modern equipment like a shredder to streamline the process of harvesting tree hay while maintaining the core principles of sustainability. They note that Karee's methods demonstrate the feasibility of integrating ancient knowledge with contemporary technology to create a more ecologically sound and efficient form of agriculture. The hosts emphasize the importance of preserving and learning from these indigenous practices, not only for their historical significance but also for their potential to offer solutions to the environmental challenges of the 21st century. They encourage listeners to explore further resources, such as William Bryant Logan's book "Sproutlands," to gain a deeper understanding of 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/

In this episode, we review a quick history of urban farming in Detroit and interview Malik Yakini, the Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network & D-Town Farms. We chat about the role of dual power systems to challenge capitalism and the role of self-determination in making meaningful change in communities. Interview starts around 22 minutes!

What happens when a nation loses its primary source of energy and agricultural inputs overnight? Join us on Poor Proles Almanac as we explore the incredible story of Cuba's resilience during the Special Period following the Soviet bloc's collapse. We reveal how Cuba's foresight, strategic planning, and innovative urban farming transformed a crisis into a model of food security that holds powerful lessons for us today. We also delve into the devastating Navajo Sheep Reduction Plan, examining its impact on Navajo shepherds and its broader implications for colonial agricultural practices. Our journey takes us through the transformation of Havana's urban landscape, where government initiatives and community efforts turned barren spaces into bountiful agricultural land. Learn about the creation of Cuba's Urban Agriculture Department, the five main categories of urban farms, and the revolutionary role of organoponicos in ensuring food security. As we reflect on Cuba's experience, we draw parallels with potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. food system, emphasizing the necessity of localizing food production and fostering sustainable, community-focused practices. As we wrap up this episode, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Cuban people and consider how their resilience and innovation can inspire similar progress in our own communities. For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early 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: Urban Farming, Cuba, Food Security, Special Period, Soviet bloc, Resilience, Strategic Planning, Innovative, Urban Agriculture Department, Organoponicos, Sustainable, Equitable, Colonial Agricultural Practices, Havana, Urban Landscape, Government Initiatives, Community Efforts, Barren Spaces, Bountiful Agricultural Land, Navajo Sheep Reduction Plan, Navajo Shepherds, Colonial Agricultural Practices, Energy, Agricultural Inputs, Soviet Union, Food Shortages, Rationing, United States, Food System, Vulnerabilities, Concentration, Food Industries, Companies, Crisis, Dependency, Imports, Ministry of Defense, Petroleum Import Cutoff, Zapatistas, Rojava, Foresight, Resource Management, Energy Investment, Chemical-based, Organic-based, National Support, Provincial Support, Educational Foundation, Urban Gardening, Coordinated Urban Agriculture Program, Popular Gardens, Basic Production Cooperative Units, Cooperative Support Units, Individual Farms, State-run Agricultural Enterprises, Ecology, Nature, Localizing Food Production, Deforestation, Monocrop Agriculture, Mi Programma Verde, Urban Biodiversity, Reforestation, Capitalism, Grassroots Efforts, Community-focused, Ecological Practices, USDA, Food Insecurity, Single Women, Children, Nutritious Food, Processed Foods