Local Knowledge Systems Research Articles

Appreciation of the Ethnobotany of Carica (Vasconcellea pubescens A.DC.) by the Dieng Plateau Local Community

Carica (Vasconcellea pubescens A.DC.) is a mountain papaya species with limited distribution in Indonesia, found in the Dieng Plateau, Central Java. Carica is well utilized by the Dieng Plateau community based on its local knowledge system. The decline of local knowledge is increasingly worrying, necessitating documentation efforts through ethnobotanical studies. This study aimed to examine the appreciation of the local community of the Dieng Plateau towards Carica ethnobotany. This study was descriptive research employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with interview techniques. The study was conducted in three Dieng Plateau villages: Dieng, Sembungan, and Karangtengah villages. The 30 respondents were selected by purposive and snowball sampling. The research instruments included interview guides and questionnaires. Appreciation was analyzed descriptively with a quantitative approach using a Likert scale. The results showed an excellent appreciation for preserving Carica in the surrounding environment (97.3%), while there was a low appreciation for using Carica to treat certain diseases (38%). Based on age, the elderly category showed the best appreciation for Carica utilization. Appreciation as a practice of local knowledge in the management and utilization of Carica can contribute to the conservation of Carica in the Dieng Plateau.

“We cannot escape this”: discussing leverage points for sustainability across scales with the example of Ouvéa, Kanaky New Caledonia

Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pacific Island Countries and Territories often shoulder an unequal burden of climate risks. To analyse pathways to sustainability, we conducted a leverage points analysis on the complex sustainability challenges facing the low-lying atoll Ouvéa in Kanaky New Caledonia (France). Leverage points are places within complex systems where interventions can lead to transformative change. Combining a literature review and qualitative interviews with regional, government, provincial, and local stakeholders, we contextualised eight leverage points: (1) expanding and improving coastal protection, (2) strengthening or creating monetary incentives, funding possibilities or forms of compensation to alleviate costs of climate change adaptation and sustainability measures, (3) conducting more research and monitoring, (4) strengthening environmental regulation and restrictions, (5) empowerment of women, youth, and local communities and increasing awareness of power imbalances to strengthen gender equity and social inclusion, (6) establishing new conservation management measures and improving existing ones, (7) increasing institutionalisation of environmental and climate change education, and (8) involving diverse knowledge systems and practices in research and management to strengthen participatory, transdisciplinary, and community-based initiatives. Our results emphasise the importance of acknowledging responsibilities across multiple scales, showing the non-transferability of some interventions due to perceived high costs and incompatibility with local culture. Illustrating dimensions of ocean equity in the context of Ouvéa, we discuss the importance of local values and knowledge systems to ensure fair distribution of costs and benefits in sustainability interventions.

The medicinal plant Buddleja asiatica and its relation to the welfare of local people in the Pan‐Himalayan region: Past, present, and future perspectives

Societal Impact StatementGlobalization and rapid shifts in culture and economy threaten indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) systems, and large intergenerational gaps in this knowledge already exist. Buddleja asiatica is a deciduous shrub or small tree with traditional medicinal applications but is currently largely overlooked as a medicinal resource. This study investigates the traditional uses of B. asiatica in indigenous communities in the Pan‐Himalayan region through ethnobotanical field surveys, with a view to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening economic resilience in these communities, as well as developing B. asiatica as a medicinal resource. Prioritizing the well‐being of mountain communities, this study aims to bridge community development with nature.SummaryBuddleja asiatica Lour. (Scrophulariaceae) is widely distributed across the Pan‐Himalayan region. It has traditional medicinal applications and cultural value, as well as ecological significance. We conducted an ethnobotanical study combining field surveys from Nepal and Xizang, China with a literature review using Web of Science (WoS) to review the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects of this species. Our study highlights the cultural significance of B. asiatica within indigenous communities and, in particular, the use of the leaves to make a starter culture for the preparation of wine. However, an evident intergenerational gap in knowledge transfer exists. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of various chemical classes (carbohydrates, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, esters, steroids, glycosides, and fatty acids), of which 15 phytoconstituents were first reported from various parts of B. asiatica. The potential medicinal properties of these chemicals include anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antihepatotoxic, antimicrobial, and cholinesterase activities. We combine these lines of evidence to show the prospects for the livelihoods of local people across this region and propose future research directions.

Do socioeconomic factors and local human preference determine the hybridization of knowledge in local medical systems?

BackgroundHybridization between the local medical systems (LMSs) and biomedicine has been the focus of different studies in ethnobiology, primarily due to the increasing access to biomedicine by indigenous peoples and local communities. Studies on hybridization allow for an understanding of the process of developing and evolving local knowledge systems. In this study, we propose a hybridization score to determine how individuals’ socioeconomic characteristics and preference between LMS and biomedicine determine the complementarity of therapeutic options.MethodsWe conducted semistructured interviews and applied free listing technique in a rural community in Northeast Brazil to assess the treatments the local population sought and which were preferred.ResultsOur analyses showed that the level of schooling was the socioeconomic factor that negatively affected the hybridization process. Individuals with higher levels of schooling tended to prefer LMS strategies less and, consequently, showed a lower probability of hybridizing the two systems. Additionally, older people who preferred LMS strategies showed a greater tendency to adopt hybridization in human health-seeking behavior.ConclusionsOur findings provide further evidence of the complementarity between different medical systems and demonstrate that socioeconomic factors can affect local knowledge and are responsible for differences in individual propensity to hybridize distinct medical systems.

Weaving scientific and local knowledge on climate change impacts in coastal Kenya, Western Indian Ocean

Climate change poses severe threats to coastal social-ecological systems (SES) worldwide. Recent calls recognize the importance of including Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in research on climate change impacts. Yet studies that have attempted to weave ILK and scientific knowledge have seldom considered the gendered nature of climate change impacts. Building on the literature on gender and climate change and knowledge pluralism, this study contributes to addressing this research gap by exploring local knowledge on climate change impacts and its relation to scientific knowledge through a gendered approach and focusing on the Western Indian Ocean region, and more specifically on Kenya. We adopted a mixed methodology combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. We found evidence of pronounced climate change impacts on coastal SES both in the scientific literature and in local reports. Our findings highlight that there is an extensive overlap between information derived from scientific and local knowledge systems. Importantly, our study revealed reports of change that were only provided by SSF communities, namely changes in coastal dynamics, a decrease in rainfall, and a decrease in the abundance of green algae. Although we found gendered variations in changes reported by SSF communities, gendered differences of climate change impacts on SSF were not detected in the reviewed literature. Overall, our results suggest that knowledge cross-fertilization generates a holistic, relational, and place-based view of climate change impacts, which may support sound and gender-inclusive adaptive policies. We conclude by suggesting key policy recommendations for climate adaptation and risk management

Foraging for the future: traditional culinary uses of wild plants in the Western Himalayas–Kashmir Valley (India)

BackgroundIn the intricate tapestry of food security, wild food species stand as pillars, nourishing millions in low-income communities, and reflecting the resilience and adaptability of human societies. Their significance extends beyond mere sustenance, intertwining with cultural traditions and local knowledge systems, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and traditional practices for sustainable livelihoods.MethodsThe present study, conducted between February 2022 and August 2023 along the Line of Control in India’s Kashmir Valley, employed a rigorous data collection encompassing semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and specific field observations facilitated through a snowball sampling technique.Results and discussionThe comprehensive inventory includes 108 edible plant and fungal species from 48 taxonomic families, with Rosaceae (N = 11) standing out. Young and soft leaves (N = 60) are an important component of various culinary preparations, with vegetables (N = 65) being the main use, followed by fruits (N = 19). This use is seasonal, with collection peaks in March–April and June–August (N = 12). The study also highlights the importance of use value (UV), with Portulaca oleracea standing out as the plant taxon (UV = 0.61), while Asyneuma thomsoni has the lowest use value (UV = 0.15). Many species such as Senecio chrysanthemoides, Asperugo procumbens, Asyneuma thomsoni, and Potentilla nepalensis were classified as new for gastronomic use. Furthermore, the study underlines the great cultural importance of mushrooms such as Morchella esculenta and Geopora arenicola in influencing social hierarchies within the community. However, the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations is declining in the region. At the same time, the conservation of endangered plant species on the IUCN Red List, such as Trillium govanianum, Taxus wallichiana, Saussurea costus, and Podophyllum hexandrum, requires immediate attention.ConclusionConservation measures should be prioritized, and proactive remedial action is needed. Further research into the nutritional value of these edible species could pave the way for their commercial cultivation, which would mean potential economic growth for local communities, make an important contribution to food security in the area under study, and contribute to scientific progress.

Integrating traditional medicine into a modern health care system

Traditional Medicine collectively referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) when commonly used outside their traditional context, alongside other medical systems, including Western biomedicine.The World Health Organization officially promoted traditional medicine in developing countries in 1978, there have been increasing interests among developing countries in integrating traditional medicine into a national health care system. Integrating traditional medicine into a modern health care system, moreover, can benefit industrialized nations as well. The contributions of Traditional and Modern Scientific Medicines to health care delivery have attracted a great deal attention in most communities worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Kampo, traditional Korean medicine, and Unani have been practiced in some areas of the world and have blossomed into orderly-regulated systems of medicine. More than 80% of the world’s population in over 170 of WHO’s 194 Member States currently use some form of traditional medicine, such as herbal medicine, yoga, Ayurveda, acupuncture and acupressure, and indigenous therapies.To generate awareness about traditional medicine, since the 1980s, a number of publications on self-health care have been developed to inform people about the benefits and uses of traditional medicine. Some of the areas of focused research include studies on the development of anticancer drugs, cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris, respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, and basic studies on acupuncture therapeutic mechanisms for various bone and joint and spinal disorders, and on different kinds of composition of the human body. To ensure the safety, standardization, efficacy and quality of traditional medicines, the practitioners must follow the same stringent standards and regulations for production and use of traditional medicines as are followed for allopathic medicines. This study aims to summarize the advancements made in understanding the efficacy, effectiveness of Traditional Medicine. Traditional and local knowledge systems need to be protected, preserved, and studied as different ways to approach modern healthcare, science, and technology at large. Significant challenges exist in integrating the differing perspectives. Traditional knowledge is derived from years of history and experience and is preserved through long, complex narrations lacking the traditionally rigorous scientific scrutiny required by modern medicine. Modern scientists are prone to quickly dismiss its merit, considering it to be irrelevant as a result. For many, traditional medicine is the first port of call, and practitioners of traditional medicine have played an important role in treating chronic illnesses. These traditional medicines and practices have been preserved, organized and modernized during the past several decades, and have been fully integrated into the national health-care delivery systems from the central to the most peripheral administrative levels.

Some Local Survival Strategies to Cope with Flood: Examples from Bhakat Chapori, Majuli, Assam

The understanding of local coping and survival strategies are very important to know about how a community deals with hazardous condition. Each community builds own local survival strategies to overcome the vulnerability of familiar disastrous events. Histories have shown that ‘Majuli the largest riverine Island of the world has been experiencing the effects of flood since past. The mainland of Majuli Island is surrounded by several small islets or chapories and the studied area “Bhakat Chapori” is one of them. Local people of this chapori have been living with flood since long and now flood became a part of their life and culture. The present study includes how local or indigenous knowledge system of the villages of Bhakat chapori can help them to manage mild effects of flood as per their own survival strategies. The paper is an outcome of ongoing doctoral research work, purely based on ethnographic fieldwork. Here an attempt has made to document and understand the local survival or coping strategies of a small island during flood events. Some strategies are so effective that those can be applied other parts of the country or world for the better survival of the people.

The Role of Local Knowledge in Natural Resources Conservation: An Environmental Anthropological Perspective in Traditional Agriculture

This article explores the pivotal role of local knowledge in the conservation of natural resources from the unique perspective of environmental anthropology within the context of traditional agriculture. Traditional agricultural practices have historically relied on indigenous knowledge systems, passed down through generations, to maintain a delicate balance between human livelihoods and the environment. This research endeavors to shed light on the invaluable insights offered by local communities and their practices in preserving ecological harmony. Through an interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropological fieldwork and environmental studies, we examine how local knowledge systems influence the sustainable use of natural resources, focusing on agricultural practices and their impact on ecosystems. We also analyze the transmission of this knowledge within communities and the adaptations made over time in response to changing environmental conditions. The findings of this study underscore the significance of local knowledge as a source of practical wisdom in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Indigenous practices, such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and seed saving, have often proven to be more sustainable and resilient than modern agricultural methods. Moreover, these traditional practices reflect a deep understanding of the local environment and its ecological interdependencies. By understanding and respecting the indigenous knowledge held by traditional agricultural communities, policymakers, conservationists, and researchers can collaborate with local stakeholders to develop holistic and effective strategies for the conservation of natural resources. This research emphasizes the need for fostering partnerships that integrate scientific knowledge and local wisdom in order to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in agriculture and environmental management. Ultimately, this article contributes to the growing body of literature highlighting the importance of acknowledging and incorporating local knowledge in efforts to address environmental issues and underscores the role of environmental anthropology as a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary conservation practices.

The impact of government policies and regulations on the subjective well-being of farmers in two rural mountain areas of Italy

AbstractThe sustainable development of rural areas involves guaranteeing the quality of life and well-being of people who live in those areas. Existing studies on farmer health and well-being have revealed high levels of stress and low well-being, with government regulations emerging as a key stressor. This ethnographic study takes smallholder farmers in two rural mountain areas of Italy, one in the central Alps and one in the northwest Apennines, as its focus. It asks how and why the current policy and regulatory context of agriculture affects farmer well-being. Interviews and participant observation were conducted with 104 farmers. Three common scenarios emerged that negatively affect farmer well-being. First, policies and regulations designed for lowland areas do not always make sense when applied in the mountains. Second, when subsidies are put into effect at the local level, the reality of their implementation can veer away from the original goals of the funding program and have unintended effects on farmer well-being, agricultural practices, and the environment. Finally, when regulations are implemented on farms in rural mountain areas, the primacy of a techno-scientific knowledge system over other, local and place-based knowledge systems is exposed. These three scenarios affect well-being by eliciting feelings of stress, frustration, and disillusionment; by reducing farmer control over their work; and by fostering the perception that farming is not valued by society. They also create conditions of inequality and insecurity. The ways in which government policies and regulations play out on mountain farms can erode trust in government institutions, lead to an us versus them mentality, and contribute to the further abandonment of agriculture and rural areas.

Amphibian Conservation and Traditional Health Practices: Insights from the Buffer Zone of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung, Indonesia

Cultural practices surrounding traditional medicine using amphibians in Indonesia are practices that can be found in several regions with diverse contexts. In the buffer zone of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, this practice is found with diversity among residents near and far from the buffer zone. With an orientation towards highlighting their significance to community health and social life, this research focuses on the local knowledge system regarding health and healing. Applying qualitative research uses informant s as data source. and the data collecting uses interviews, the findings of this study show that the local knowledge system regarding amphibians is as a food and medicinal material. Knowledge systems are determined by people's knowledge and involvement with the work they do. The impact of the knowledge system about the benefits of amphibians has implications for the attitudes of local residents towards amphibians and the environment in which they live. The implications of this knowledge system among local community are environmental conservation and life sustainability.

Islamization of science: Ziauddin sardar's critique of the universality of science

This qualitative research explores Ziauddin Sardar's critique of Western-influenced universal science. It employs a literature study to analyze Sardar's thoughts using various methods. The findings reveal that Islamic science, rooted in ethical principles, offers an alternative to Western science, which often overlooks diverse paradigms and local knowledge systems. While Islamic science excels in addressing region-specific issues, it may struggle with complex problems. In contrast, Western science, considered global, has historically caused environmental challenges by disregarding non-conventional paradigms. Therefore, Islamic science, with its inclusive approach to knowledge, presents a potential solution to the crises stemming from the dominance of Western scientific paradigms.

Pesticide: A Contemporary Cultural Object

The article provides a narrative review of the social and cultural interpretation of pesticides in contemporary society. In so doing, it highlights the main fields of exploration investigated by social scientists concerning the perception and role played by these products among farmers and consumers. Following the WHO definition, pesticides are chemical compounds used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted plants. They are contemporary cultural artefacts that social sciences explore in synergy with other disciplines to highlight their socio-cultural connections at both local and global levels. Specifically, the use of these products is connected with power relations, which are embedded in and reflect imbalances and inequalities in access to rights and resources, as well as specific articulation of the perception of risk arising from environmental contamination in terms of individual and collective psychophysical health. Furthermore, pesticides fit into various environmental conceptions and multiple local knowledge systems, representing the intersection of different cultural heritages, worldviews, and rationales that make the tradition–modernity dichotomy complex and dynamic. In this respect, therefore, pesticides can be understood not just as mere tools for agricultural practice but as vital windows through which to investigate multiple layers of meaning to support transitions towards sustainable pest management systems, both environmentally and socio-culturally.

IJCH – COVID-19 in the Arctic: special issue

ABSTRACT The Circumpolar region, comprising the Arctic territories encircling the North Pole, is home to diverse Indigenous cultures facing unique socio-economic challenges. Indigenous communities such as the Inuit, Sámi, Athabaskan, Gwitchin, and Russian Arctic groups exhibit rich traditions and adaptive practices tied to their environments. Environmental diversity, from icy tundra to boreal forests, influences livelihoods and biodiversity, while significant socio-economic disparities persist, impacting access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Against this backdrop, the global COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the intersection of environment, culture, and health in remote Arctic regions, presenting distinct challenges and opportunities. Initiated by a collaborative research project led by Fulbright Arctic Initiative Alumni, this special issue of the International Journal of Circumpolar Health explores the impacts of COVID-19 on Arctic Indigenous and rural communities. Building on previous work and recommendations, the issue features community case studies, highlighting community experiences and collaborative approaches to understand and address the pandemic’s effects. The authors highlight both positive and negative societal outcomes, presenting community-driven models and evidence-based practices to inform pan-Arctic collaboration and decision-making in public health emergencies. Through sharing these insights, the special issue aims to privilege local and Indigenous knowledge systems, elevates community responses to complex and multifaceted challenges, and contributes to the evidence base on global pandemic response.

Cultural Perspectives on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture an Ethnoecological Study

In an era where climate change is becoming increasingly apparent, adaptation in the agricultural sector is becoming more crucial. This research adopts a literature study approach to explore the cultural perspective on climate change adaptation in agriculture through the lens of ethnoecology. Through searching and analyzing relevant literature, the main findings indicate that local culture plays a significant role in shaping farmers' adaptation practices. These practices include the utilization of traditional knowledge, cultural values, and local knowledge systems to respond to the challenges of climate change. It is found that local wisdom is not merely an additional resource but an integral aspect in strengthening the resilience of farming communities. However, challenges such as limited access to resources and economic uncertainty remain barriers to adaptation efforts. Therefore, the integration of local knowledge into policy planning and the development of local capacity are relevant recommendations to enhance climate change adaptation in agriculture. This research provides insights into the complexity of the relationship between culture and climate change adaptation in agriculture, highlighting the importance of strengthening the involvement of local communities in mitigation and adaptation efforts.

“We don’t separate out these things. Everything is related”: Partnerships with Indigenous Communities to Design, Implement, and Evaluate Multilevel Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities

Multilevel interventions (MLIs) are appropriate to reduce health disparities among Indigenous peoples because of their ability to address these communities’ diverse histories, dynamics, cultures, politics, and environments. Intervention science has highlighted the importance of context-sensitive MLIs in Indigenous communities that can prioritize Indigenous and local knowledge systems and emphasize the collective versus the individual. This paradigm shift away from individual-level focus interventions to community-level focus interventions underscores the need for community engagement and diverse partnerships in MLI design, implementation, and evaluation. In this paper, we discuss three case studies addressing how Indigenous partners collaborated with researchers in each stage of the design, implementation, and evaluation of MLIs to reduce health disparities impacting their communities. We highlight the following: (1) collaborations with multiple, diverse tribal partners to carry out MLIs which require iterative, consistent conversations over time; (2) inclusion of qualitative and Indigenous research methods in MLIs as a way to honor Indigenous and local knowledge systems as well as a way to understand a health disparity phenomenon in a community; and (3) relationship building, maintenance, and mutual respect among MLI partners to reconcile past research abuses, prevent extractive research practices, decolonize research processes, and generate co-created knowledge between Indigenous and academic communities.

Voices from the Frontlines in the Okavango River Basin: Towards a Cooperative Model of Environmental Activism in the Global South

This article examines the interplay between local activism and external and elite actors in response to ReconAfrica's oil and gas exploration activities in Namibia's Kavango and Botswana's Okavango Delta regions. The research demonstrates local communities’ challenges with confronting environmental degradation, unfulfilled promises, and legal transgressions while striving to protect their ancestral lands and rights. The study, grounded in Southern green criminology, highlights the power imbalances between Northern corporations and Southern territories, underscoring the exploitation and marginalisation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It advocates for genuine collaboration and prioritising local perspectives in environmental activism, calling for a shift in power dynamics to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. This cooperative model integrates local knowledge systems, amplifies Indigenous voices, and aligns environmental campaigns with broader social justice concerns. The traditional externally driven approaches are challenged, while ethical and inclusive environmental activism is also promoted.

Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundA significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsWe explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.ConclusionA combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities.

Short Communication: Utilization of wild plants in medicinal foods for maternal postpartum recovery among the Kasepuhan in rural West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Mulyanto, Gunawan R, Zakaria S, Iskandar J, Noviyanti AR, Iskandar BS. 2024. Short Communication: Utilization of wild plants in medicinal foods for maternal postpartum recovery among the Kasepuhan in rural West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 465-473. Puerperium is a critical phase. Barriers to access and resource constraints often hinder Indigenous and local communities, resulting in frequently relying on traditional forms of postpartum care, including the utilization of wild plants from surrounding areas. Snowball sampling was utilized to recognize informants who were considered specialists in perinatal care and medicinal foods for maternal postpartum recovery. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were undertaken to gather ethnobotanical data on medicinal foods specially made for maternal postpartum recovery and the utilization of wild plants in their preparation and other therapeutic applications. Collected information included medicinal foods, vernacular names of the plants, plant cultivation status, utilized parts, preparation, and method of administration. Descriptive data was analyzed using ethnobotanical indices. Six different medicinal foods, traditionally consumed by mothers to aid postpartum recovery, were identified. A total of 83 species belonging to 34 families were utilized for respective applications. Out of these 83 species, 41 (49.4%) were classified as wild plants. Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr., Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC., Chloranthus erectus (Buch.-Ham.) Sweet, Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth., and Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. are wild plants with the highest CVI, and are also used to treat fevers in the study area. Investigations have reported that the bioactive components of these wild plants possess potent analgesic, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and gastroprotective properties. It can be concluded that wild plants hold a significant place in the local knowledge system related to maternal postpartum recovery and other therapeutic uses. Additionally, the practices and acquisition of knowledge for medicinal food preparation are traditionally considered the domain of females.

Local studies provide a global perspective of the impacts of climate change on Indigenous Peoples and local communities

Indigenous Peoples and local communities with nature-dependent livelihoods are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts, but their experience, knowledge and needs receive inadequate attention in climate research and policy. Here, we discuss three key findings of a collaborative research consortium arising from the Local Indicators of Climate Change Impacts project. First, reports of environmental change by Indigenous Peoples and local communities provide holistic, relational, placed-based, culturally-grounded and multi-causal understandings of change, largely focused on processes and elements that are relevant to local livelihoods and cultures. These reports demonstrate that the impacts of climate change intersect with and exacerbate historical effects of socioeconomic and political marginalization. Second, drawing on rich bodies of inter-generational knowledge, Indigenous Peoples and local communities have developed context-specific responses to environmental change grounded in local resources and strategies that often absorb the impacts of multiple drivers of change. Indigenous Peoples and local communities adjust in diverse ways to impacts on their livelihoods, but the adoption of responses often comes at a significant cost due to economic, political, and socio-cultural barriers operating at societal, community, household, and individual levels. Finally, divergent understandings of change challenge generalizations in research examining the human dimensions of climate change. Evidence from Indigenous and local knowledge systems is context-dependent and not always aligned with scientific evidence. Exploring divergent understandings of the concept of change derived from different knowledge systems can yield new insights which may help prioritize research and policy actions to address local needs and priorities.