Assessing the Relationship of Profile Characteristics of the Tribal Farmers with Adoption of Ethno Medical Practices in Idukki District of Kerala, India

Abstract

Ethno-medicine, rooted in indigenous knowledge, has long been vital for tribal communities. This study examines the adoption of ethno-medical practices (EMPs) among tribal farmers in Idukki, Kerala. Data from 452 farmers across nine tribal groups reveal that 77.88% show medium to high EMP adoption. Correlation analysis showed Age, farm size, farming experience, self-reliance, conservatism-liberalism, fatalism-scientism, religious beliefs, strong intra-tribal communication, environmental awareness, belief in EMPs, and favourable attitudes toward them positively influenced the adoption of EMPs. Conversely, characteristics such as educational status, occupational status, family status, material status, farm power status, mass media participation, extension agency contact, value orientation, scientific orientation, innovativeness, economic motivation, progressivism-traditionalism, rational orientation, livestock possession, and social participation negatively impacted the adoption of EMPs. The study concludes that traditional practices remain significant but face challenges from modernization and formal healthcare. Integrating ethno-medicine with modern systems can preserve traditional knowledge while addressing tribal communities' evolving health needs.