Local knowledge

A long history of dowsing

Discussion questions

There are many techniques to find water with ‘divining’ instruments – metal hooks,

pendulums, olive branches, willow branches etc.

This ancient methods – which are widespread – are called ‘dowsing’.

Here are some examples from India.

Using a neem stick to find water

First

the skin of the coconut is removed

Or locating groundwater with thehelp of coconuts

Walking around with coconut to find water

Coconut points up when water is present

Discussion questions

• These dowsing techniques come from

India: are similar techniques used in your

area?

• How widespread are they? Are there

good/ bad experiences?

• What does this tell us on the importance

of local knowledge?

• Could we and should we engage local

dowsers in local groundwater

management?