ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews some of the qualities of traditional technology, and proposes some procedures for transfers to other regions and cultures. Social elements are particularly important in traditional technology which consists more of methods than equipment. Much has been learned about ancient and contemporary traditional resource management, and proposals for transferring traditional technology have appeared with increasing frequency. Since goal achievement has been identified as the criteria for identifying the appropriateness of any technology, traditional methods must face the same test. Whether traditional technology can offer viable alternatives to modern conservation measures will ultimately depend on its effectiveness under conditions of increasing populations and income expectations. The goal of fragile lands management is to develop approaches for conservation and efficient use. Even with a focus on fragile lands, there are many goals. Five of the most common are: production, conservation, employment, income, and security.
