Module 1

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Traditional knowledge
Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples
which is developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture
and environment

Properties of traditional knowledge

1. it is developed from experience gained over the centuries
2. It is is often transmitted orally from generation to generation.
3. It is location and cultre specific
4. It is not systematically documented
5. It is oral and rural in nature

Traditional skills
The local knowledge,skill and technology that people used during the past to make their lives
easier and comfortable is known as traditional skill
Example for traditional skill
Basketry,wood carving, pottery, carpentry, hand weaving, gold smithy

Traditional crop pest management methods

1. Barricading for animal protection using plant branches
2. Sitting branch in the wheat field inviting bird predation
3. Scarecrow for crop protection

Traditional Irrigation Methods fo water lifting

1. Moat or pulley system
2. Chain pump
3. Rahat or lever system

Traditional Irrigation Methods for water pumping

1. Check Basin Method.
2. Furrow Irrigation Method
3. Strip Irrigation Method.

Traditional waste management practices

1. Recycling
2. Incineration
3. Landfill
4. Biological Reprocessing
5. Animal Feed

Traditional water purification methods

1. cloth filtration
2. Ceramic filtration
3. Volcanic stone filtration
4. Jampering stone filtration
Pottery
The potter usually makes his pottery using clay collected from their nearby places or from
where it is available. The raw clay is smoothed and made dough mixing it with water using
hand. It is then placed in a pottery wheel, a wheel used to mould up the pottery to turns of
various shapes and size. With their hand and the pottery wheel, the clay turns into finished
pot. Kusava related communities in kerala are associated with pottery.
Equipments and techniques used for pottery
 essential set of tools will include the basics like a needle tool, metal or wood potter's rib,
a wire cutting tool, and a couple of trimming loops and a sponge.
 Pottery is made by combining naturally occurring raw materials, such as clay, earthen
minerals, and water and shaping them into forms. Once shaped, the clay body is fired in a
kiln at a high temperature to be hardened and heat resistant.
 There are two principal methods of firing pottery. These are open firing and the use of
kilns.
 Kilns are used for the firing process, which is arguably the most essential part of pottery.
A kiln is a container in which heat builds up to temperatures required to fire ceramics. It is
usually used to turn clay into a ceramic material.
 The potter's wheel, also known as the potter's lathe, is a machine used in the shaping of
round ceramic wares.

Hand weaving
Weaving is the process of passing a thread cross-wise (the weft) through alternate lengths
of thread (the warp), creating the fabric. On a handloom, this is done by hand. The main
communities in Kerala engaged in weaving are Saliyas and Devangas. Handloom weaving is
mainly concentrated in villages of Kerala and this traditional skill is passed down from one
generation to another. The weaving is done in homes or collective weaving sheds by both
men and women.

process involved in weaving

The yarn is given a scouring treatment in closed earthen or iron vessels. The scouring is
done with caustic soda and soda ash and is steeped over a night. Then the following day the
yarn is taken out and washed in water. A half bleaching is given to the yarn if it is intended
for dyeing pastel shades. Bleaching agents used in this process are sodium hypochlorate or
hidrogen peroxide. The bleached yarns are further brightened by optical brightening agents
namely tinopal and ranipal. Another round of souring treatment with hydrochloric acid is
done to control its pH value. Natural dyes, reactive, vat and direct dyes are used in the
process. If the yarn is single count like 10S or 20s, it is sized using starch. Then the warping
machines are used to prepare the warp yarn in sections or vertically. The warp yarn is tightly
wound on wooden beams and fitted into looms. Bamboo reeds and metallic reeds are
used for denting the warp.

Gold smithy
Goldsmithing is the applied art of metalworking in gold.A master goldsmith is trained in
numerous types of metalworking, including the sawing, cutting, forging, melting, casting,
beating, soldering, filing, engraving, embossing, enamelling and polishing of precious metals
and gemstones. Traditionally, most goldsmiths either learned the craft in their father's
workshop, or acquired the skills as an apprentice to a master [Link] main
communities in Kerala engaged in gold smithy are vishwa karma

Tools used for gold smithy

The goldsmith will use a variety of tools and machinery, including the rolling mill, the
drawplate, and perhaps, swage blocks and other forming tools to make the metal into
shapes needed to build the intended piece. Then parts are fabricated through a wide variety
of processes and assembled by soldering.

Traditional tools used in your home kitchen

[Link] stone (known as ammikkallu) : traditional kitchen tool used in India to ground
spices. It is a stone grinder used in Kerala, India to grind spices extensively used for cooking
foods the spices and foods are put on top or the surface of the flat stone then grounded
using the pestle until they turned into a thick paste. Now a days it is replaced by mixer or
electric grinders
2. Wet grinder ( known as aattukallu) used for making wet pastes or masalas and chutneys.
A flat stone slab, known as Sil is chiselled to make it rough to aid grinding. Batta is a
chiselled cylindrical stone with which the grinding is done..
3. coconut grater" ( also known as "Cherava", or "Thiruvalai"):This uniquely designed
contraption grates the insides of a coconut with ease without struggling to shell it out. For
instance, it has a circular blade which does the scraping process. One can choose from the
mechanical or the manual option depending on the requirement. It is now replaced by
electric graters
4. Churner (Mathni): originally made of wood, with a long handle and a circular base with
gaps wide enough for air to circulate for that fuzzy frothy lassi Additionally, use it for
churning butter milk, muddling lentils/soups to thicken. It is now replaced by electric stirrer
beaters
5. Rice Stamper and Plunger( ural and ulakka): that has been used by our ancestors to
powder rice and remove the husk from cereals, This Ulakkai is made with very strong wood
to ensure that it lasts [Link] sides of this rice stamper are covered with metal to protect
against any damage while using it with heavy [Link] is not used now a days instead flour
mills are used for powdering flours
Comparison of traditional tools and modern tools

traditional frming tools and modern farming tools

 Module 2
COMMUNITY VISIT AND REPORT PREPARATION

All the question from this module is based on you community visit
Commonly asked questions are

1. Identify traditional skills practiced in the locality of our institution.(any five)

2. Write an abstract about your community visit

3. What are the tools and technique used by the community you visited

4. Explain the process starting from the procuring of raw material to final product
used at the community that you visited

5. What are the waste products generated in the process and the waste management
policies used at the community that you visited

6. What are the modes of sales/marketing used by the community to sell the
finished product

7. What are the major problems that you noted in the process or income generation
or marketing the product by the community during your visit.

8. List out the suggestions that you put forward to the community to improve the
skill or process or income generation or public awareness

Willingness of younger generation to do traditional community works

According to Study of Wealthy Americans report from 2022, 86 percent of younger

generations to do things differently from their predecessors because of the following
reason
Changing priorities: Younger generations often grow up in a fast-paced world with different
priorities than their predecessors. They might be more focused on current events, personal
growth, technology, and social issues rather than historical events or traditions.
Technology and globalization: The digital age has made information more accessible than
ever before. Younger generations are constantly bombarded with new information and
trends through social media, the internet, and other digital platforms. This can sometimes
overshadow the importance of traditional knowledge and history.
Differing educational approaches: Educational systems have evolved over time, and the
way history and traditions are taught may have changed. If history is not presented in an
engaging or relevant way, younger people may not develop a strong interest in it.
Generational differences: Each generation has its own unique experiences and challenges.
Younger generations may feel disconnected from traditions and history that seem less
relevant to their own lives and experiences.
Individual preferences: It's important to remember that interest in traditions and history
can vary widely among individuals, regardless of their age. Some younger people are deeply
passionate about these subjects and actively seek out opportunities to learn more.
 Module 4
WATER, WASTE, ENERGY MANAGEMENT FOR THE COMMUNITY

Rain water harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting is a process that requires the concentration, collection and
storage of rainwater for a number of purposes. This can be done in the same area where
the rainfall takes place, or in a different area. This water can also be used immediately or
later.
Why is it important?
 To serve as domestic usage with appropriate filtration (drinking, watering garden).
 To act as unfiltered landscape irrigation, especially for dryland farming.
 To boost groundwater recharge, which will increase soil fertility even further.
 To lessen sewage treatment plant overloads, urban flooding, and stormwater
discharges; keeps the clean, fresh surface water free of metals, pesticides, fertilisers,
and other sediments.
 To lessen the influx of saltwater into coastal communities.
 It reduces the demand for ground water. Having a rainwater harvesting system boosts
the productivity of aquifer leading to increase in groundwater levels.

Advantages
 This an easily accessible renewable water resource.
 Rain water harvesting reduces urban flooding.
 Rain water harvesting will prevent soil erosion.
 Rain water harvesting is very cost effective way of saving water.
 This is not labour intensive.
Disadvantages
 The water that is received by rain water harvesting may not be suitable for drinking
unless treated properly.
 It cannot be done in areas that have long dry spells.
 One has to maintain the storage facility properly or else it can result in contamination of
water. These can also become breeding grounds for insects.
 While its not expensive, the initial set up may be high.
 The rainwater harvesting system yield depends on the rainfall received and varies from
season to season.

Rainwater harvesting techniques

Rainwater collection mostly uses two techniques:

1. Harvesting surface runoff
This technique works best in metropolitan areas where rainwater that runs down the
ground during rainstorms is collected and put into a special water storage space. Small
tributaries of rivers or reservoirs have their flow changed to accommodate the storage of
surface runoff. Ponds, tanks, and reservoirs designed for this purpose are used to store the
surface runoff. Efficient and effective water conservation techniques are used to store
rainfall while lowering evaporation. To maintain clean and sanitary water, several steps are
required.

2. Harvesting rooftop rainwater

Individual households or schools may choose the rooftop rainwater harvesting method, in
which rainwater is collected from roof catchments of residential or commercial structures,
diverted, and stored in [Link] satisfy everyday demands such as flushing toilets, washing
machines, washing cars, gardening, showers, sinks, and baths, harvested rainwater can
either be kept in a tank or transferred to an artificial recharge system.

Traditional rain harvesting methods

Some examples of traditional rainwater harvesting include qanats, contour-bench terracing,
spate irrigation, khuskhaba system, rooftop rainfall collection, cisterns, ponds, check basins
etc

How to Reduce Electricity Bill in Kerala

1. Go for Energy Efficient Lighting:

A plethora of studies has claimed that most people use or waste a massive percentage of
electricity because they don’t use proper and energy-efficient [Link], the markets
are crammed with compact fluorescent bulbs which are 5 times more energy efficient than
regular bulbs, yet they give the same lighting. But people have inadequate knowledge
regarding this. So, this is the time that you need to replace all your old incandescent bulbs
with CFLs or LEDs. Now, both are available at reasonable prices and their operational life is
also much longer than the old ones.

2. Try Traditional Cooking Methods:

You can use old and traditional firewood methods for cooking. And whenever you need to
cook, use the microwave or stove as much as possible. Because microwave generates less
heat and consumes less energy. Try to cook in the evening or early in the morning when the
outdoor air is cooler because this minimizes your cooling costs. Also, read about the
apartment kitchen storage ideas.

3. Make Your Dinner Special With Candle Lights:

Candle light dinner is something special it makes special feels . And making your dinner with
candle lights can save the electrical energy consumption. So this is one of the best
awareness methods to save electricity.

4. Avoid Using More Rooms at a Time:

Kindly consider this point. It can reduce some of your electric current.

5. Use Natural Lights:

You should go for natural lighting as much as possible. Identify when and where the sun
shines through your windows so that you can open your windows and blinds at that time.
Try to dry your clothes, floor, etc. during the day time when you will get ample of sunlight.
On the other hand, the sunlight can add a couple of degrees of heat to your room and in this
way, it saves a chunk of money as well as electricity for you.

6. Turn off Electrical Equipments (Switch Off Lights and Fans):

Are you thinking how to reduce electricity bill in Kerala? Then, don’t forget to turn off lights
and fans when you are not using them. Most people forget to switch off their fans and lights
when they are going outside. So, their lives get miserable with higher electric [Link] turn
off other electrical devices when you are not using them. Because they consume some
energy even on standby mode. When you are plug in your chargers or laptops (even you are
not using them), they still consume a little bit of energy constantly. So, turn off or switch off
all the electrical devices when they are not in [Link] can use smart power strips which will
prevent your devices from consuming electricity even when they are in a standby mode.
Check out smart home automation kerala.

7. Replace Air Filters Regularly:

Are you looking for some ideas regarding how to keep electric bill low in summer? Then,
replace your air filter on an interval basis. Because dirty air filter instigates your HVAC
system to work in a harder way in order to circular [Link] may increase your electric bill.
On the other hand, filters with higher MERV ratings help filter to circulate air in a better way
and this will minimize your electric bill. Not only this but also it may reduce the chances of
illnesses or allergies. Also read how to cool down apartment during summer.

8. Adjust Water Heater Temperature:

Adjust Water Heater Temperature
Does your apartment has own heater? Then, turn the temperature down while everyone is
away because it will only heat the required water not any unnecessary or unneeded
[Link] efficient water heater jacket will also minimize heating costs. If you are making a
checklist before buying an apartment, then don’t forget to mention the water heater in your
checklist.

9. Install Energy-Efficient Toilet:

Don’t forget to install an energy-efficient toilet in your new apartment, if you are planning
to cut the electricity bill in the apartment. Since you have an energy efficient toilet, only less
amount of water will be wasted on flushing. Also, incorporate water-efficient shower heads
which will save a chunk of water by lessening its volume when released during a shower.

10. Keep Your Air Conditioner on a Power Saving Mode:

It is true that your conditioner uses a lot of electricity. But if you use it prudently, you can
minimize your electricity bill. For this, you need to run your conditioner in power-saving
mode. Never see the temperature below 18º, and if possible, set the temperature at 22
degrees.

11. Implant Some Shrubs:

Are you desperately looking for some astounding ideas to reduce your electricity bill? Then
nothing can be better than planting some shrubs and plants in front of your house. You
should place them in an innovative way so that they can block the sun from shining directly
on your air conditioning system.

12. Use Smart Electrical Devices:

These days, the markets are crammed with smart home devices for apartments. These are
smart electrical and electronic devices because they consume less energy and thereby, save
your time and cost.

13. Wash Your Clothes Efficiently:

If you heat water for your laundry, then this will consume a lot of energy and also enhances
your bill. You should try to wash only full loads of clothes instead of washing a small number
of clothes. Most of the detergents usually dissolve in cold water and this minimizes the
amount of hot water that you need to use.

14. Dry Cloths Naturally:

Instead of using a dryer, try to dry your clothes naturally by using the sunlight. If you are
using a dishwasher, then machine drying is not mandatory. So, turn-off heat drying setting
of your dishwasher and dry all your utensils manually.

15. Install Solar Panel:

You can effortlessly install the solar panel on the rooftop of your house if you want to
minimize your energy consumption and electricity bill. This is the top one solution for how
to reduce electricity bill in Kerala.

16. Try to Reduce Consumption in Peak Hours:

During the peak hours, try to stay away from using high load systems like a washing machine,
grinder, water pump etc. The duration of peak hours is in between the morning 10.00 AM to
the evening at 7.00 [Link] consumption is high during these peak hours and thus, the
voltage can be reduced if you run all these items during this time. Moreover, this will also
enhance your electricity bill rapidly.

Waste management
7 R’s of Waste Management?
1. Rethink
Become a more conscious consumer. Take a step back to think about your consumption &
waste habits and their impacts on the environment.

2. Refuse
Say “no” to products you don’t need or won’t use. Before purchasing things, consider the
benefits and costs. Feel empowered to go against consumer culture and not buy anything at all.

3. Reduce
Lower the amount you buy & how often you buy. Borrow things when you can. Look for items
that last longer and have many uses.
4. Reuse
Upcycle items you would typically throw away. Get many uses out of the things you buy. Avoid
single-use items, especially those made of plastic. Get creative using what you already own!

5. Repair
Learn how to repair everyday items instead of buying new ones. Try to fix things before
throwing them out. Get crafty and join the “Repair Movement“.

6. Regift
Share in the wealth and pass on a gift you’ve received, but won’t necessarily use, to someone
else who could use it.

7. Recycle
Give your products a new purpose by recycling them. Learn to properly sort recycling and
garbage. Look for items made of recycled goods when shopping

Methods of Waste Disposal

Garbage accumulation has never been much of a concern in the past, but due to globalization
and industrialization, there is a need for a more efficient waste disposal method. Following are
some of the methods that are used today.
Landfill:
In this process, the waste that cannot be reused or recycled are separated out and spread as a
thin layer in low-lying areas across a city. A layer of soil is added after each layer of garbage.
However, once this process is complete, the area is declared unfit for construction of buildings
for the next 20 years. Instead, it can only be used as a playground or a park.

Incineration
Incineration is the process of controlled combustion of garbage to reduce it to incombustible
matter such as ash and waste gas. The exhaust gases from this process may be toxic, hence it is
treated before being released into the environment. This process reduces the volume of waste
by 90 per cent and is considered as one of the most hygienic methods of waste disposal. In
some cases, the heat generated is used to produce electricity. However, some consider this
process, not quite environmentally friendly due to the generation of greenhouse gases such as
carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Waste Compaction
The waste materials such as cans and plastic bottles are compacted into blocks and sent for
recycling. This process prevents the oxidation of metals and reduces airspace need, thus making
transportation and positioning easy.

Biogas Generation
Biodegradable waste, such as food items, animal waste or organic industrial waste from food
packaging industries are sent to bio-degradation plants. In bio-degradation plants, they are
converted to biogas by degradation with the help of bacteria, fungi, or other microbes. Here,
the organic matter serves as food for the micro-organisms. The degradation can happen
aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). Biogas is generated as a result of
this process, which is used as fuel, and the residue is used as manure.
Composting
All organic materials decompose with time. Food scraps, yard waste, etc., make up for one of
the major organic wastes we throw every day. The process of composting starts with these
organic wastes being buried under layers of soil and then, are left to decay under the action of
microorganisms such as bacteria and [Link] results in the formation of nutrient-rich manure.
Also, this process ensures that the nutrients are replenished in the soil. Besides enriching the
soil, composting also increases the water retention capacity. In agriculture, it is the best
alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is the process of using worms for the degradation of organic matter into
nutrient-rich manure. Worms consume and digest the organic matter. The by-products of
digestion which are excreted out by the worms make the soil nutrient-rich, thus enhancing the
growth of bacteria and fungi. It is also far more effective than traditional composting.