From: The Water BlIffalo social and economic development." One of the primary ways in which BOSTID does this is to "conduct special studies" on topics that hold particular widespread promise for developing countries such as renewable and alternative energy technologies for rural development, the potential of the winged bean as a nutritious crop for the tropics, and the possibilities presented by the water buffalo for development. Though these topics are relevant and need more research, BOSTID's research is narrow in its intent and purpose. It fails to adequately envision the development process in an integrated manner. Their research approach removes the subject from its context. Thus, the circumstances which shape the subject's interactions and performance in its environment are ignored or lost altogether. What has happened in our honest attempts to do research that genuinely serves the people of the Third World is that we have often failed to Page 21 RAIN Dec. R2IJal1. R3 see the ripples of our actions in the sea of development. The effects of our involvement in development need to be closely examined, especially in terms of what is gained and lost by the introduction of new biological species or technologies into a particular setting. In the case of the water buffalo, BOSTID's report 'The Water Buffalo: New Prospects for an Underufilized Animal" has identified the unexploited potential of the water buffalo in a technical manner within and outside its native habitat. The analysis is guided by Western notions of purpose and strategy, examining each individual productive facet of the water buffalo as a distinct possibility for economic development such as milk or meat production. This information is valuable for what it is, but it does not serve the intended purpose of truly "complementing" the development process in a village. Synthesis is not required of the BOSTID approach. This is a perfect example of non-integrated research: studying all of the water buffalo's attributes, but not how the water buffalo fits into the scheme of things. The water buffa'lo's real significance remains hidden until one considers the relationship of the water buffalo to the welfare of the farmer and his family as well as to the villages throughout Asia. It is this element which is noticeably missing from BOSTID's scientific framework and analysis. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the water buffalo mentioned in BOSTID's report is its need to spend time submerged in pools of water, known as buffalo wallows. These are often located on the edge of the agricultural fields. BOSTID's report concedes that the water buffalo's wallowing nature is considered a drawback to its adaptability to diverse agricultural circumstances. Yet, BOSTID notes that research has demonstrated that wallowing is not necessary if adequate shade is readily available. Thus, the possibility of adapting the water buffalo to the conditions of other countries is presumed. BOSTID's focus is on expanding the use of the water buffalo beyond traditional settings, neglecting the multiple roles the animal plays within that context. However, the natural linkages surrounding the water buffalo which exist in the village ecosystem and the tremendous benefits which follow must be considered. In Sri Lanka, Dr. Ranil Senanayake, of the National Heritage Trust, is documenting the significance of the water buffalo and the wallow in Sri Lanka's rice agriculture. The water buffalo has been an integral part of the Sri Lankan rice agroecosystem for over 1400 years. Over time, biological and ecological relationships with the rice agroecosystem have evolved. Buffalo wallows are a common feature in Sri Lanka, usually located at the bottom of a series of rice fields at some distance from a river or other perennial source of water capable of being used by water buffaloes. The buffalo wallow is more than just a pool where the water buffalo immerses itself; it provides a suitable habitat for many beneficial organisms. When the dry season comes, the wallow remains the only refuge for these organisms. Fish which grow in the warm water of the rice paddy get trapped in the pools during the dry season and are easily caught. Aquatic fauna which grows in the paddies dies out in the drought, remaining only in the wallow to recolonize the paddies when the rains come. The wallow supports insectivorous fish, the first to Cemt. ol1nex! page
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