Preservation of the Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge Network of the Bonda Tribe

Alka Kumari; Atanu Deb; Ajay Kumar Prusty; Swati Suman; Dwity Sundar Rout; Amritesh Kumar Amar

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2024.60408

Authors

Alka Kumari PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India.
Atanu Deb Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha
Ajay Kumar Prusty Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3670-802X
Swati Suman PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India.
Dwity Sundar Rout Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha
Amritesh Kumar Amar PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India.

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2024.60408

Keywords:

Indigenous Knowledge Network, Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge, Preservation, Bonda Tribe

Abstract

For tribal people to preserve their historical legacy and advance environmentally friendly healthcare habits, traditional medicinal knowledge must be preserved. This is especially true for the Bonda tribe in the Malkangiriarea of Odisha. The Bonda tribe, who live in the Eastern Ghats, mostly depend on narrative Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge (IMK) shared among elders and traditional healers (Desaris). This study investigated the processes of knowledge transmission, the social networks that sustained the IMK system, and the preservation and ways adopted in Bonda Community. Data were gathered from multiple Bonda villages using purposive samplingtechnique during 2023-24 years. Qualitative methods and participatory research were used for data collection, and chord diagrams were used for visualization. The results showed a strong IMK network with important contributions from Desaris and strong community linkages.Thepreservation of sanctified groves and therapeutic herbsthrough conservation techniques, incorporating new information and preserving transmission secrecy were examples of adaptation tactics. This investigation promotedapproaches that encouraged safeguarding Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge (IMK) by highlighting the significance of Indigenous Knowledge Network (IKN) in maintaining traditional identities and social well-being.

Author Biographies

Alka Kumari, PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India.

PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education
Atanu Deb, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha

Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education
Ajay Kumar Prusty, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha

Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education
Swati Suman, PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India.

PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education
Dwity Sundar Rout, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha

Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education
Amritesh Kumar Amar, PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha-761211, India.

PG Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education

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