ABSTRACT
Many non-western traditional agricultural systems have been proven to be highly productive, ecologically sound, and sustainable (Altieri 1983; Denevan 1980; Wilken 1987). Although they supported hundreds of generations of farmers, many of these systems have not survived into historic times (Denevan 1970, 1983; Turner and Harrison 1983). While most of the surviving systems continue because of their resilience and ecological stability, many others have or are in the process of disappearing in the face of major social, economic, and political changes occurring in developing countries (Altieri 1983; Denevan 1980; Wilken 1987).
