Review artitle Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities of North East India

Abstract

Abstract. Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2020. Review: Traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities of North East India. Biodiversitas 21: 3209-3224. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and tribal people relating to the understanding of structure and functioning of neighboring natural ecosystems and their use for human welfare. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relating to TEK held by the tribal and other traditional societies of North East India. The region is very rich in TEK pertaining to species, ecosystems, and their interactions including their sustainable management and utilization in forestry, fisheries, agriculture, food, crafts, dye, and health care. Some of these TEK based knowledge systems are at par or even superior to the resource management practices evolved under the ambit of modern knowledge. Though a substantial chunk of TEK of tribal communities of North East India has been documented, huge treasures of such knowledge remain unreported and hence are on the verge of being lost.

Nexus between indigenous ecological knowledge and ecosystem services: a socio-ecological analysis for sustainable ecosystem management

“…Various researchers has accounted the social and cultural values of agro-ecological systems using IEK as in India (Das et al, 2012;Harisha et al, 2015;Pandey et al, 2017;Tynsong et al, 2020); and in other countries (Halim et al, 2012;Boafo et al, 2016aBoafo et al, , 2016bChristina et al, 2017). IEK and related practices for various direct and indirect uses of wild plant resources and for other purposes such as weather forecasting, medicinal use of wild plants by tribes ensure promotion of cohesion between the ecosystem and human well-being (Harisha et al, 2015).…”

“…IEK and related practices for various direct and indirect uses of wild plant resources and for other purposes such as weather forecasting, medicinal use of wild plants by tribes ensure promotion of cohesion between the ecosystem and human well-being (Harisha et al, 2015). Moreover, tribal through IEK make cultural adjustment to bio-physical surroundings for proper resources management (Tynsong et al, 2020) such as Alder Based Agro-forestry System, a IEK based agricultural practices since time immemorial by indigenous tribes of Nagaland, India (Das et al, 2012), where root nodule of alder trees facilitates soil fertilization and the roots prevents soil erosion in slopes (Rathore et al, 2010;Das et al, 2012). Moreover, indigenous forest management by the local people are based on social justice and equity (Geronimo et al 2016) and contributes to water availability, livelihood, biodiversity conservation and health care of the people (Halim et al, 2012).…”

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

“…Relevant platforms to adopt, redefine and integrate these knowledge systems and mainstreaming them to policies and programs are critical in safeguarding these potentially sustainable food systems for improved nutrition in indigenous communities [69,70]. Additionally, studies have shown that mainstreaming neglected IFs into nutrition and agricultural policies and programs may revive IF systems and improve household income, food security, dietary diversity and micronutrient intake of women and children [71][72][73].…”

An Outlook on Harnessing Technological Innovative Competence in Sustainably Transforming African Agriculture

“…[51][52][53] Records also exist of the use of indigenous knowledge in food production. [54] For example, a 700-year-old indigenous regenerative soil management system that is currently practiced in West Africa in which targeted waste disposal transformed highly weathered low-quality tropical soils into fertile, carbon-rich soils that contributed nearly a quarter of a farm household's income albeit covering a relatively small area while also offering a carbon sequestration solution has been described. [55] Integrating current digital agricultural technologies and methodologies with indigenous knowledge will bring the complementary benefits of both worlds into optimally developing an African agriculture that is resilient, agile, adaptable, and regenerative, thus sustainable.…”

“…[ 51 , 52 , 53 ] Records also exist of the use of indigenous knowledge in food production. [ 54 ] For example, a 700‐year‐old indigenous regenerative soil management system that is currently practiced in West Africa in which targeted waste disposal transformed highly weathered low‐quality tropical soils into fertile, carbon‐rich soils that contributed nearly a quarter of a farm household's income albeit covering a relatively small area while also offering a carbon sequestration solution has been described. [ 55 ]…”