Ecological implications of market forces on the folk knowledge of tribal communities and their cross cultural comparisons in the western Himalaya

Abstract

The present study documented, analyzed, and compared the folk knowledge variations across the four Himalayan communities. It also prioritized communities perceptions of climate change. It was revealed that the studied communities still depend on natural resources and use them on a day-to-day basis for fuelwood, fodder, plant derived products, medicine, and as wild edible plants. The study noted that folk knowledge is related to socio-cultural factors, wherein men were found to be more knowledgeable than women, and elderly people to be holding more knowledge than younger people. Also, the knowledge was seen to be declining and guided by market forces; communities residing in the villages away from the market had more knowledge as compared to those located in the vicinity of markets. Also, these communities perceived indicators of climate change that have implications for guiding adaptation strategies in the Himalaya. The information that has been generated through this study will not only help in the preservation and prospection of folk knowledge but also in its recognition.