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Farming & Management

Ethnobotanic knowledge transfer among the Gurung ethnic community in Nepal

DOI: 10.31830/2456-8724.2026.FM-184    | Article Id: FM-184 | Page : 84-90
Citation :- Ethnobotanic knowledge transfer among the Gurung ethnic community in Nepal. Farm. Manage. 11: 84-90
SANTOSH KHANAL sntkhanal1991@gmail.com
Address : Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Gauradaha Agriculture Campus, Gauradaha, Jhapa, Nepal
Submitted Date : 3-03-2026
Accepted Date : 11-04-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

Nepal’s rich ethnic and ecological diversity supports extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, with communities relying on numerous plant species for traditional medicine and livelihoods. The continuity of ethnic culture depends on the effective transfer of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK), which is now declining due to modernisation, necessitating urgent documentation and conservation. The present study aims to explore how the ethnobotanical practices of the Gurung community were transferred in the Annapurna conservation area, Bhujung, Lamjung district. Information on ITK status, its way to transfer, etc. were collected by interviewing a total of 90 individuals, including traditional faith healers, Shamans (jhakri), local plant users, elderly people and knowledgeable person were selected purposively and interviewed in depth with both structured and semi structured set of questionnaires. The results revealed that 63% of respondents reported a lack of transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge from one generation to the next, while 37% acknowledged the passing down of such knowledge. Prime factor was more trust and reliable access to modern medicines and declining interest of younger generations in traditional medicinal practices. Higher education level of the younger generation is negatively associated with ethnobotanical practices, i.e., -0.76, while cultural shift was positively associated. However, the oral and cultural dissemination of knowledge from older to younger generations remains significant.

Keywords

Ecological ethnic group ethnomedicine indigenous knowledge traditional

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