Page 175 - Cultural Studies of Science Education

152 G.E. Glasson

and engaging in traditional agricultural practices that were passed down through
generations. In the 1600s, Portuguese traders introduced maize and other exotic
vegetables that are grown in Malawi today. Later in 1859, Scottish explorer Dr. David

Livingstone’s motto of “Christianity, commerce, and civilization” influenced the
establishment of mission schools, tea plantations, and the establishment of a British
colonial government. This doctrine provided justification for colonization and
exploitation of indigenous people that has resulted in the loss of cultural and biodi-
versity. Although Malawi was a single-party state between 1964 and 1994 and is now
is ruled by a democratically elected government, the legacy and influence of colonial-
ism remains.
This chapter will describe the ecojustice issues that are inherent in the mono-
agricultural practice of tea farming that are part of Malawi’s colonial legacy. In
contrast, research will also be shared that highlights the precolonial indigenous
agricultural practices that have been passed down through generations as well as the
more hybrid practices of a sustainable farmer that are the result of the confluence
of western and African cultures. Drawing on literature from ecojustice education
and third space theoretical frameworks, the development of a place-based agricul-
tural curriculum will be discussed that connects community elders practicing
sustainable agriculture with a primary school in Malawi.

Farming in Malawi

Tea Plantations

When first encountering the tea plantations in the southern region of Malawi, visi-
tors are astounded by the vast verdant green fields of tea bushes that surround the
base of Mt. Mulanje, the third highest mountain in Africa. Located in the most
fertile land in the southern African rift valley, the area is blessed with abundant
rainfall and mild climate. Water rushes down from the waterfalls and streams from
Mt. Mulanje by small villages with clusters of mud brick houses. Villagers grow
seasonal crops such as maize, peas, tomatoes, and greens in small plots nestled on
the outskirts of the vast fields of tea bushes. Harvesting the tea is done by hand with
human labor and then it is sent to a factory for drying and processing. In the factory,
drying and curing is fueled entirely using firewood as a fuel source.
One can only imagine the subtropical forest paradise that this area used to be
before colonization. Indigenous forests included valuable trees such as ebony and
mahogany, and on the higher slopes of Mt. Mulanje, the aromatic mulanje cedar.
Other trees produced an abundance of tropical fruits such as mangos, figs, and
papaya. The forest was also habitat for many animal species, including monkeys,
baboons, lions, elephants, snakes, and tropical birds. Today, cultivated banana and
mango trees are found dispersed in small garden plots, however, indigenous trees
have been replaced with the exotic eucalyptus (blue gum) and pine trees to provide
fuel for tea factories and firewood for cooking in the villages. Woodcarvings of