Dynamics of learning indigenous knowledge among herbalists in rural Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge of traditional herbalism is becoming extinct and yet there are inadequate efforts to analyse, how this knowledge is acquired and transmitted to the current and future generations. Therefore, this study aimed at understanding the dynamics of learning indigenous knowledge among traditional herbalists in rural Eastern Uganda. This was achieved by a) exploring the knowledge and skills possessed by traditional herbalists; b) analysing how traditional herbalists acquire and apply indigenous knowledge and c) examining the perceptions of people about traditional herbalism. Employing an interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative approach, primary data were gathered from 16 traditional herbalists, 8 key informants, and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members using snowball, convenience, and purposive sampling methods. Content and thematic analysis were utilized as data analysis tools. The findings revealed that herbalists possess knowledge and skills that range from healing basic ailments to healing critical ailments. The findings also show that traditional herbalists acquired knowledge of healing through training using imitation, demonstration, observation, and visions/dreams from ancestors. It was also revealed that community members have a positive perception of traditional healing practices, however, government officials have a mixed perception of the practices of traditional herbalists. These perceptions about the practices of herbalists were attributed to their knowledge lacking scientific proof hence finding no scientific explanation for their practice. During the discussions it was clear that herbalists acquire their knowledge through social interaction, observation which relates to the social constructivism theory that explains how knowledge is acquired through social interaction and observation. The study recommends that a traditional herbal medicine hub/centre be established to help government supervise activities, practices and training to validate and standardise their knowledge. Secondly, it is recommended that herbalists should collaborate with government to document this indigenous knowledge. Finally, the findings show that learning is dynamic (changing everyday) therefore, a study should be conducted to understand the common forms of learning among community members to help community educationists tailor adult education programs into their common ways of learning.