Medicinal Plants and Primary Health Care

Abstract

This article aims to uncover gender roles in utilisation and management of medicinal plants for primary health care and community well-being. Men (n = 237) and women (n = 242) from 27 villages with a high concentration of indigenous peoples from central India were included in the study. Methods of mental mapping, process documentation, participatory rural appraisal and focused group discussion were employed to collect data. The results demonstrate that both rural men and women have a wealth of traditional knowledge relating to medicinal uses of plants. They are also aware of interconnections between their well-being and the sustainable use of medicinal plants. Gender role analysis in relation to medicinal plants revealed that the collection, processing, storage and utilisation of medicinal plants are largely assigned to women. Similarly, responsibility of transfer of this knowledge to the future generation is women's domain. However, due to increased recognition of ayurvedic medicine, development of organised markets for medicinal plants, and acute poverty and illiteracy among rural people, sustainable utilisation of medicinal plants are threatened. The findings indicate need to recognise gender roles and incorporate indigenous knowledge, for sustainable medicinal plants management through their involvement in decision-making institutions.