Vol. 13 No. 4 (2026)
World Social Work Day, 2026: ‘Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society’

Research

From Tradition to Transition: Understanding the Driving Factors of Declining Use of Ethnomedicine for Livestock and Crops among the Indigenous Khasi People in Bangladesh

Published 2026-03-27

  • Saju Bhuiya
    • ,
  • Zafrin Ahmed Liza
    • ,
  • Md. Shahgahan Miah

Saju Bhuiya
Master's Researcher, Department of Anthropology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Zafrin Ahmed Liza
Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Md. Shahgahan Miah
Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Abstract

For centuries, Indigenous communities have relied on plants, herbs, and shrubs as primary sources of medicine for treating illnesses in both humans and animals. Despite the development and commercialisation of modern medicine, many Indigenous groups—such as the Khasi—continue to depend on traditional healing practices. This study examined current ethnomedicinal practices and the factors associated with the decline in their use in livestock and crop production among the Indigenous Khasi community in Bangladesh.

This qualitative observational study was conducted from January to December 2021 in two Khasi villages. A total of 48 informal conversational interviews were conducted initially to build rapport, gain community access, and identify potential participants. Subsequently, 15 in‑depth interviews (IDIs) and five key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted using a purposive sampling strategy. All interviews were conducted in Bangla. Transcribed and translated textual data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings reveal that the Khasi continue to use ethnomedicine for livestock and crops due to its accessibility, availability, affordability, and sustainability. The study documented a range of traditional preparation methods—including crushing, chewing, and decoction—each associated with specific livestock ailments and corresponding plant parts. However, several factors contribute to the declining use of ethnomedicine, including the extensive use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, depletion of therapeutic plants, the widespread commercialisation of modern medication, the adoption of modern education, and a reduction in the number of traditional healers.

The study demonstrates that the safe and effective use of therapeutic plants can reduce cultivation costs, preserve natural resources, enhance biodiversity, and protect beneficial organisms essential for cultivation. Although ethnomedicine remains a vital component of Khasi cultural heritage, its long-term sustainability is at heightened risk. Revitalising these practices requires scientific validation, conservation of therapeutic plant species, and inclusive policy-making that meaningfully involves Indigenous communities. A co‑design approach with active participation of Khasi knowledge holders is crucial to the development for conservation policies. Adopting a multidisciplinary and multi‑institutional One Health approach may further strengthen shared values around ethnomedicine and optimise the use of natural and human resources in disease management.

Keywords

Ethnomedicine, Therapeutic Plants, Indigenous Khasi Community, Qualitative Research, Bangladesh

pdf

Author Biography

Saju Bhuiya

Saju Bhuiya holds an MSS in Anthropology.

Zafrin Ahmed Liza

Mrs Zafrin Ahmed Liza holds an MSS in Anthropology and is currently pursuing a PhD.  

Md. Shahgahan Miah

Dr Md. Shahgahan Miah holds a PhD in Medical Anthropology from the Department of Society and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, Thailand. He has published a number of articles in reputable national and international journals, contributing to scholarship at the intersection of health, society, and culture.
He has successfully completed research projects supported by the Bangladesh Government’s Access to Information (A2i) programme, the Shahjalal University Research Centre at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. In addition to his research accomplishments, he has presented papers at various national and international conferences, strengthening his engagement with global academic and policy dialogues.

 

Disclaimer

This manuscript was originally submitted under the title ‘Exploring the Practice and Factors Associated with Reducing the Use of Ethnomedicine for Livestock and Crops in the Indigenous Khasi Community’ on 19 January 2024. Due to a technical issue during the initial submission, it had to be resubmitted through the back end. As a result, certain metrics in the Publication Facts—such as Days to Publication—may not accurately reflect the actual timeline.

References

  1. Abo, K., Fred-Jaiyesimi, A., & Jaiyesimi, A. (2008). Ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus in South Western Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 115(1), 67-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.09.005
  2. Adewuyi, A., Fasusi, O. H., & Oderinde, R. A. (2014). Antibacterial activities of acetonides prepared from the seed oils of Calophyllum inophyllum and Pterocarpus osun. Journal of Acute Medicine, 4(2), 75-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacme.2014.02.001
  3. Anyinam, C. (1995). Ecology and ethnomedicine: exploring links between current environmental crisis and indigenous medical practices. Social Science & Medicine, 40(3), 321-329. https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(94)E0098-D
  4. Arnold, J. M., & Dewees, P. A. (2013). Farms Trees and farmers: Responses to agricultural intensification. Routledge. https://api.taylorfrancis.com/content/books/mono/download?identifierName=doi&identifierValue=10.4324/9781315071107&type=googlepdf
  5. Baharvand-Ahmadi, B., & Asadi-Samani, M. (2017). A mini-review on the most important effective medicinal plants to treat hypertension in ethnobotanical evidence of Iran. Journal of nephropharmacology, 6(1), 3. https://doi.org/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28197520/
  6. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2011). Population & Housing Census 2011. DHAKA: Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Retrieved from https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/7b7b171a_731a_4854_8e0a_f8f7dede4a4a/PHC2011PreliminaryReport.pdf
  7. Barkaoui, M., Katiri, A., Boubaker, H., & Msanda, F. (2017). Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Chtouka Ait Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas), Morocco. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 198, 338-350. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.01.023
  8. Bartha, S. G., Quave, C. L., Balogh, L., & Papp, N. (2015). Ethnoveterinary practices of covasna county, transylvania, Romania. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 11(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-015-0020-8
  9. Benarba, B., Belabid, L., Righi, K., amine Bekkar, A., Elouissi, M., Khaldi, A., & Hamimed, A. (2015). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Mascara (North West of Algeria). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 175, 626-637. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.030
  10. Bhuiya, S., Liza, Z. A., Islam, M. A., & Miah, M. S. (2025). An Exploratory Study on Factors Influencing the Decreasing Use of Ethnomedicine Among Indigenous Khasi Tribe in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Approach. Journal of Population and Social Studies [JPSS], 33, 220-242. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.25133/JPSSv332025.012
  11. Bischoff, T., Vogl, C. R., Ivemeyer, S., Klarer, F., Meier, B., Hamburger, M., & Walkenhorst, M. (2016). Plant and natural product based homemade remedies manufactured and used by farmers of six central Swiss cantons to treat livestock. Livestock science, 189, 110-125. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2016.05.003
  12. Bishop, R. (1999). Collaborative Storytelling: Meeting Indigenous Peoples' Desires for Self-Determination in Research. https://doi.org/https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED467396
  13. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  14. Brodt, S. B. (1999). Interactions of formal and informal knowledge systems in village-based tree management in central India. Agriculture and Human Values, 16(4), 355-363. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007537809389
  15. Bullitta, S., Re, G. A., Manunta, M. D. I., & Piluzza, G. (2018). Traditional knowledge about plant, animal, and mineral-based remedies to treat cattle, pigs, horses, and other domestic animals in the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 14(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-018-0250-7
  16. Calzetta, L., Pistocchini, E., Leo, A., Roncada, P., Ritondo, B. L., Palma, E., di Cave, D., & Britti, D. (2020). Anthelminthic medicinal plants in veterinary ethnopharmacology: A network meta-analysis following the PRISMA-P and PROSPERO recommendations. Heliyon, 6(2). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03256
  17. Danø, A., & Bøgh, H. (1999). Use of herbal medicine against helminths in livestock: renaissance of an old tradition. World Animal Review (FAO) Revue Mondiale de Zootechnie (FAO) Revista Mundial de Zootecnia (FAO). https://doi.org/https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20000807867
  18. Dixie, G., Hussain, M., & Imam, S. (2003). Medicinal plant marketing in Bangladesh, Dhaka. Bangladesh: Interco-operation and South Asia Enterprise Development Facility, 8-22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-9-19
  19. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2020). The state of the world's forest 2020 Retrieved 08/09/23 from https://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/
  20. Gabalebatse, M., Ngwenya, B. N., Teketay, D., & Kolawole, O. D. (2013). Ethno-veterinary practices amongst livestock farmers in Ngamiland District, Botswana. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 10(3), 490-502. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v10i3.16
  21. Ghorbani, A. (2005). Studies on pharmaceutical ethnobotany in the region of Turkmen Sahra, north of Iran:(Part 1): General results. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 102(1), 58-68. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.05.035
  22. González, J. A., García-Barriuso, M., & Amich, F. (2010). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Arribes del Duero, western Spain. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 131(2), 343-355. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.07.022
  23. Hamilton, A. C. (2004). Medicinal plants, conservation and livelihoods. Biodiversity & Conservation, 13(8), 1477-1517. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BIOC.0000021333.23413.42
  24. Islam, A. R., Hasan, M., Islam, T., Rahman, A., Mitra, S., & Das, S. K. (2020). Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by Rakhine indigenous communities in Patuakhali and Barguna District of Southern Bangladesh. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine, 25, 2515690X20971586. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20971586
  25. Kebebew, M., & Mohamed, E. (2017). Indigenous knowledge on use of medicinal plants by indigenous people of Lemo district, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Herbal Medicine, 5(4), 124-135. https://doi.org/https://www.florajournal.com/archives/2017/vol5issue4/PartB/6-3-17-801.pdf
  26. Kovach, M. (2010). Conversation method in Indigenous research. First Peoples Child & Family Review, 5(1), 40-48. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7202/1071291ar
  27. Kujawska, M., Klepacki, P., & Łuczaj, Ł. (2017). Fischer’s Plants in folk beliefs and customs: a previously unknown contribution to the ethnobotany of the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian borderland. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 13(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-017-0149-8
  28. Kumar, J., Ramlal, A., Mallick, D., & Mishra, V. (2021). An overview of some biopesticides and their importance in plant protection for commercial acceptance. Plants, 10(6), 1185. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061185
  29. Liu, X., Cao, A., Yan, D., Ouyang, C., Wang, Q., & Li, Y. (2021). Overview of mechanisms and uses of biopesticides. International Journal of Pest Management, 67(1), 65-72. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/09670874.2019.1664789
  30. Madibela, O. R. (2017). A perspective on ethnomedicine research for livestock production: Focus on Botswana. PULA: Botswana Journal of African Studies, 31(2). https://doi.org/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340952580_A_perspective_on_ethnomedicine_research_for_livestock_production_Focus_on_Botswana
  31. Mahishi, P., Srinivasa, B., & Shivanna, M. (2005). Medicinal plant wealth of local communities in some villages in Shimoga District of Karnataka, India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 98(3), 307-312. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.01.035
  32. Majumder, N. M. (2017). Khasi traditional tree farming practice on pest and disease management in the Northeast uphill of Bangladesh. Journal of Bioscience and Agriculture Research, 15(01), 1238-1245. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18801/jbar.150117.152
  33. Menale, B., De Castro, O., Cascone, C., & Muoio, R. (2016). Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants in the Vesuvio National Park (Campania, southern Italy). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 192, 320-349. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.07.049
  34. Nayak, P., & Solanki, H. (2021). Pesticides and Indian agriculture—A review. International Journal of Research -Granthaalayah, 9(5), 250-263. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v9.i5.2021.3930
  35. Piluzza, G., Virdis, S., Serralutzu, F., & Bullitta, S. (2015). Uses of plants, animal and mineral substances in Mediterranean ethno-veterinary practices for the care of small ruminants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 168, 87-99. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.056
  36. Rahman, M., Malek, M., & Matin, M. (1995). Trend of pesticide usage in Bangladesh. Science of the Total Environment, 159(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0048-9697(94)04206-3
  37. SriBalaji, N., & Chakravarthi, V. P. (2010). Ethnoveterinary practices in India-A review. Veterinary world, 3(12), 549. https://doi.org/https://md.aiesec.org/BOOK=/kshortw/76435MQ/210126/ethnoveterinary__practices__in_india_a__review.pdf
  38. Staff, D. (2020). Deforestation rate globally declined between 2015 and 2020: FAO report, While the world lost 178 million hectares of forest in the last 30 years, the rate of net forest loss declined. downtoearth. Retrieved 08/09/23 from https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/deforestation-rate-globally-declined-between-2015-and-2020-fao-report-71107
  39. Tefera, B. N., & Kim, Y.-D. (2019). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 15, 1-21. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0302-7
  40. Telefo, P., Lienou, L., Yemele, M., Lemfack, M., Mouokeu, C., Goka, C., Tagne, S., & Moundipa, F. (2011). Ethnopharmacological survey of plants used for the treatment of female infertility in Baham, Cameroon. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 136(1), 178-187. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.036
  41. Yadav, M. L., Rajput, D. S., & Mishra, P. (2016). Ethno-veterinary practices among tribes of Banswara District of Rajasthan. Indian Research Journal of Extension Education, 15(2), 87-90. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v90i9.109497
  42. Yusuf, M., Begum, J., Hoque, M., & Chowdhury, J. (2009). Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.12691/plant-3-2-2
  43. Zakaria, A., & Majumder, N. M. (2019). Are Khasis of Bangladesh Eco-Friendly Agro Manager? Reflections on Hill Farming Practices and Forest Conservation. Journal of Science, Technology and Environment Informatics, 8(1), 574–582. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18801/jstei.080119.59

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.