The mother – child nexus. Knowledge and valuation of wild food plants in Wayanad, Western Ghats, India
2006

Mother-Child Knowledge of Wild Food Plants in Wayanad, India

Sample size: 81 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cruz García Gisella Susana

Primary Institution: Wageningen University and Research Centre

Hypothesis

How do children learn about wild food plants and where do their values come from?

Conclusion

The educational program helps counteract social stigma and encourages children to learn about wild food plants.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women are the primary knowledge holders regarding wild food plants.
  • Children's participation in the educational program increased their knowledge of wild food plants.
  • Social stigma affects children's willingness to collect and consume wild food plants.

Takeaway

Moms teach kids about wild food plants, but kids are learning less because they have less time and feel embarrassed about collecting them.

Methodology

The study used semi-structured interviews, photo identification, and informal interviews to gather data from mothers and children.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported knowledge and consumption due to social stigma.

Limitations

The study may not fully capture the complexity of knowledge transmission due to social stigma and changing values.

Participant Demographics

Participants included mothers and children from Paniya and Kuruma tribes, as well as non-tribal communities.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4269-2-39

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