The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, March 19, 1980, Page page 7, Image 7
Wednesday, march 19. 1930 daily nebraskart page! New rural culture group 'mot for farmers only 9 By Patti Gallagher A new campus organization U trying to dispel that age-old notion that groups dealing with agriculture are for farmers only. Members of the Agriculture and Rural Development Study Croup are quick to say they are "not just farmers. Current members encompass five different academic areas and originate from 16 different countries. Even in discussing their group and its topics, three members from three different disciplines often expressed three different ideas. But, they agree, this is precisely why the. group was started. The group formed at the beginning of this semester and has recruited about 20 to 25 members, according to chairman Don Buchleiter. They meet each Friday at East Campus Union. Students often "develop blinders," Buchleiter said, in concentrating on one area of agriculture. The group is attempting to publicize many factors involved in agriculture. According to group member Jeff Heinrich, they em phasize a "holistic approach to development." Attempt to define technology One topic of concern for the group is defining 'appropriate technology." Heinrich said that one definition is "technology that relies on local energy sources, but factors such as size, location, land conditions and resource availability of a farm all determine what would be appropriate. In discussing appropriate technology, the group moves its scope to the international arena. Heinrich said. The United States often tries to transfer its tech- 30 Draws' 1 Si .85 Pitchers 1 pwery !flfednesday ElSight Have your heirloom diamond reset with Keepsake care Your precious heirloom diamond will blare with renewed beauty when it is reset with Keepsake care in a new 14 Karat yellow or white gold mounting. Choose from our complete collection of distinctive settings, and we'll recreate your diamond into an heirloom of tomorrow. Keepsake c4T Womas Jewelers The Atrium 1200 N St. 475 9709 Student Accounts Invited Visa & Master Char 94 Accepted nology -"developed in the U.S. for the U.S. cultures overseas, where it would not be appropriate in foreign farming conditions, he said. According to group member Azzeddine M. Azzam, in the United States appropriate technology would be that which does not use a tot of nonrenewable resources. 1 Azzam defines appropriate technology as "that which uses local resources, local initiative, without heavy reliance on technological inputs which may prove alien to a society." Defining what is appropriate for any given farmer becomes a problem because it is "very value connect ed," according to Buchleiter. Different views Each sector of academia looks at things differently, he said. The agricultural engineer looks at the physical feasibility, the agricultural economist at the price, and the agronomist at yield increase. The combinations of all disciplines will always be the most successful, he added. Because politics of development are a major influence in agriculture, Buchleiter said, the first group speaker was a UNL professor of political science. The decisions for farming are usually made by an elite minority, according to Azzam, while the farming majority has little input in decisions that affect it. He added that this is especially true in foreign countries, where farming may be the livelihood for 90 percent of the population but the remaining 10 percent make decisions about their farming practices. Buchleiter said the group will discuss more than just farming, and therefore have included the rural label in their title. There is a whole range of activities in rural culture, unique to its environment, yet separate from agriculture. Problems of sanitation, water and home power are topics he said he'd like the group to cover. Recognition sought Currently the group follows a discussion-speech for mat, Buchleiter said, but hopes that in the future work study programs and distribution of resource literature will be initiated. Future speakers will talk on development problems in Colombia, in less developed countries, research needs in choosing technologies, and definitions of appropriate technology. The group has not been recognized as an official UNL organization, Buchleiter said, and is operating on "temporary status.' They have drafted a constitution that will be reviewed at the next group meeting, and hope to receive official recognition before the semester's end, he said. Group members agreed it is odd that UNL has not yet formed a group of this nature, and Azzam estimates their chances of success at 99 percent. After all, he said, "We are dealing with things that affect millions and millions of people." ill 11 1