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Abstract
Following neoliberal 'structural adjustments' in Bolivia, peasant llama herders are expected to become entrepreneurs and their animal products to compete in global markets. To facilitate the entry of llama produce into global trade, scientifically-trained experts working for NGOs give herders 'capacity-building' courses in livestock management and organise livestock shows to teach them about animal conformation. This article examines negotiations and accommodations between indigenous knowledge and science, and in particular focuses upon competing claims to knowledge about herd management and animal improvement. While experts look to improve animals from without - through hybridisation with animals from other areas, which also constitutes exchanges in genetic capital - herders expect improvement to come from within - placing emphasis on the unity of their herds as reproductive groups and regarding animals condemned as 'defective' by experts as generative prototypes that indicate the herds' fertility.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 531-549 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 11 Aug 2006 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2006 |
Keywords
- Andes
- expertise
- knowledge
- science
- animals
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Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic Defects or Generative Prototypes: Competing Models for Livestock Improvement in Southern Bolivia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Activities
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Genetic Defects or Generative Prototypes: Competing models for livestock improvement in southern Bolivia
Margaret Elizabeth Bolton (Speaker)
Apr 2005Activity: Disseminating Research › Conference