Agroecology Knowledge and Practices in Early Modern Levantive Agriculture: Exploring Abdul Ghani Al Nabulsi’s Book “Ilm El-Milaha Fi Ilm El-Filaha”

Abstract

This Thesis explores the agroecological knowledge from the Levantine early modern period as a source of indigenous knowledge that could be adapted to the modern world. The research uses principally the work of Abdul Ghani Al Nabulsi as a source. Al Nabulsi is a polymath who lived between the 17th and 18th century and died in Damascus in 1731, and gathered a wealth of agroecological, and agricultural practices and knowledge occurred during his lifetime and before from ancient and current sources. This study evaluates traditional Levantine farming methods and their potential applications in modern agroecological practices using historical analysis and scientific research. Indigenous knowledge from the early modern Levant is compared to modern agricultural practices and insights from Africa and Latin America to demonstrate the resilience, adaptability, sustainability, and wealth of these traditional practices. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach to analyze Al Nabulsi’s book, involving a critical examination of its content, comparison with recent scholarly works, and a detailed look at the historical context. The findings suggest that traditional agricultural practices promote sustainable and efficient agroecological practices that tackle the challenges of contemporary cultivation. Furthermore, combining these traditional methods with modern agroecological principles can improve food security, reduce environmental impact, enhance ecosystem health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This approach highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and using indigenous knowledge to inform modern agroecological practices. The study's findings can help develop sustainable agricultural policies, enhance local farming practices, preserve cultural heritage, and support social-base development programs