The value of local knowledge for supporting biodiversity conservation has been discussed earlier; it is also invaluable for improving soil and water conservation and food production (Reij et al., 1996). Too often during the past, local knowledge has been overlooked, misinterpreted and undervalued, a problem that persists today. With many people too poor and too far from the beaten track to adopt high-tech measures which demand inputs, the only hope is for them to use simple, low-cost approaches which utilise locally available virtually free materials and build on indigenous knowledge. Alternative, intermediate and appropriate technology, participatory appraisal and studies of indigenous knowledge have come together since the 1980s and should help promote better approaches for poor people.