Subsistence intensification, innovation and change have long figured prominently in explanations for the development of social complexity among foragers and horticulturalists. This set of global case studies re-examines the ‘subsistence question’ in light of recent research. It contrasts traditional approaches with recent archaeological research that presents human driven strategies for power, prestige, and status as causes of subsistence intensification.
Looks at partnerships between local small farms and nearby consumers, who become members or subscribers in support of the farm, offering advice on acquiring land, organizing, handling the harvest, and money and legal matters.
African agriculture is currently at a crossroads, at which persistent food shortages are compounded by threats from climate change. But, as this book argues, Africa can feed itself in a generation and can help contribute to global food security. To achieve this Africa has to define agriculture as a force in economic growth by advancing scientific and technological research, investing in infrastructure, fostering higher technical training, and creating regional markets.
As biological diversity continues to shrink at an alarming rate, the loss of plant species poses a threat seemingly less visible than the loss of animals but in many ways more critical. In this book, one of America's leading ethnobotanists warns about our loss of natural vegetation and plant diversity while providing insights into traditional Native agricultural practices in the Americas. Gary Paul Nabhan here reveals the rich diversity of plants found in tropical forests and their contribution to modern crops, then tells how this diversity is being lost to agriculture and lumbering. He then relates "local parables" of Native American agriculture—from wild rice in the Great Lakes region to wild gourds in Florida—that convey the urgency of this situation and demonstrate the need for saving the seeds of endangered plants. Nabhan stresses the need for maintaining a wide gene pool, not only for the survival of these species but also for the preservation of genetic strains that can help scientists breed more resilient varieties of other plants. Enduring Seeds is a book that no one concerned with our environment can afford to ignore. It clearly shows us that, as agribusiness increasingly limits the food on our table, a richer harvest can be had by preserving ancient ways. This edition features a new foreword by Miguel Altieri, one of today's leading spokesmen for sustainable agriculture and the preservation of indigenous farming methods.
**Community Harvest Cultivating Harmony and Self-Sufficiency Together** Dive into the enriching world of communal living and collaborative growth with *Community Harvest*. This compelling eBook guides you through the philosophy and practicalities of creating thriving, self-sufficient communities rooted in mutual support and shared goals. In the opening chapter, you'll explore the philosophy of community harvesting, examining the importance of mutual support systems, and gaining inspiration from a series of successful case studies. Learn to build a foundation of trust among homesteaders by mastering open communication, participatory decision-making, and conflict resolution strategies. Unleash the potential of your community by organizing dynamic events, from seasonal gatherings and skills-sharing workshops to community workdays that foster strong bonds and enhance collective knowledge. Discover how to establish resource-sharing networks that maximize the use of shared tools, seed exchanges, and collaborative animal husbandry. Transform shared spaces with expert guidance on designing and planning community gardens that cater to collective needs. Coordinate harvests and distribution efficiently to ensure everyone benefits from the bounty. Dive into communal food preservation techniques, including organizing canning parties, building root cellars, and sharing cherished recipes. Enrich your community with knowledge exchange and educational opportunities by creating a community library, hosting expert demonstrations, and engaging in online forums. Embrace financial cooperation through co-op markets, CSA initiatives, and pooled funds for larger purchases. Support the emotional and mental well-being of all members with practical tips on support groups, mindfulness practices, and celebrating achievements. Foster intergenerational engagement by involving youth, valuing elder contributions, and establishing mentorship programs. Prioritize sustainability with renewable energy projects, water conservation, and waste reduction techniques. Navigate the complexities of legal and ethical considerations with ease, understanding zoning laws and ethical practices. Expand your network through connections with other homesteader communities, participating in regional and national conferences, and building a robust online presence. Reflect and evolve your practices with annual reviews, embracing innovation while preserving a legacy for future generations. *Community Harvest* offers a comprehensive roadmap to creating harmonious and sustainable communities. Take the first step toward a collaborative and fulfilling homesteading journey today.
In this classic medical thriller filled with harrowing suspense and brilliantly crafted plot twists, Tess Gerritsen—the author of the acclaimed Rizzoli & Isles series that inspired the hit television show—delivers a pulse-pounding tale that “will make your heart skip a beat” (USA TODAY). For Dr. Abby DiMatteo, the long road to Boston’s Bayside Hospital has been anything but easy. Now, immersed in the grinding fatigue of her second year as a surgical resident, she’s elated when the hospital’s elite cardiac transplant team taps her as a potential recruit. But Abby soon makes an anguished, crucial decision that jeopardizes her entire career. A car crash victim’s healthy heart is ready to be harvested; it is immediately cross-matched to a wealthy private patient, Nina Voss. Abby hatches a bold plan to make sure that the transplant goes instead to a dying seventeen-year-old boy who is also a perfect match. The repercussions are powerful and swift and Abby is shaken but unrepentant—until she meets the frail, tormented Nina. Then a new heart for Nina Voss suddenly appears, her transplant is completed, and Abby makes a terrible discovery: Nina’s heart has not come through the proper channels. Defying Bayside Hospital’s demands for silence, Abby plunges into an investigation that reveals an intricate, and murderous, chain of deceptions. Every move Abby makes spawns a vicious backlash and, in a ship anchored in the stagnant waters of Boston Harbor, a final, grisly discovery lies waiting…
From pioneer journals to union tracts and cyberpunk fiction, the selections gathered here reveal the lives of the Northwest's working people and insights into the nature of work in the region.
