A hermeneutic phenomenological exploration of the cultural components of the bio-cultural landscape of the Wayanad dwarf cattle

Abstract

The focus of the present study was the cultural components of the bio-cultural landscape of the life word of the Wayanad Dwarf cattle keepers of Wayanad district of Kerala state. The resilience of these socio ecological systems depends to a great extent on the tangible outcomes through which communities interact with their landscapes that include the cultural components of the bio cultural system. The present study was undertaken with the aim of studying the cultural components of the bio-cultural landscape of this system. A hermeneutic phenomenological stance with thematic analysis of narrative experiences of the respondents was used to study the lived experience of the Kuruma cattle keepers who are involved in Wayanad dwarf cattle keeping. The study was conducted among eight information rich respondents from Noolpuzha, Amabalavayal, Thirunelly and Thavinhal panchayats of Wayanad district of Kerala state. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed five major themes that centred around smaller subthemes, related to the cultural components of the bio-cultural landscape of Wayanad dwarf cattle keeping. these included the role of the Wayanad dwarf cattle on the traditional rice fields of Wayanad, the role of the Kuruma tribespeople as custodians of the Wayanad dwarf and traditional rice varieties, the Wayanad dwarf as a means of subsistence and livelihood, the perceived cultural attributes of the Wayanad dwarf cow and the cultural role of Wayanad dwarf cows and its products in the life world of the keepers of the Wayanad dwarf cattle. An understanding of the bio-cultural landscape of the Wayanad Dwarf cattle is crucial to sustain efforts directed at the conservation of these animals.