Knowledge of plant resource use based on location, gender and generation

Delali B.K. Dovie, E. T.F. Witkowski, Charlie M. Shackleton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The differences in knowledge of biological resource use between societal and demographic groups are often poorly understood; yet they are an important element of sustainability. Differences in gender and generational knowledge of locally useful woody plant species in South African savannas are examined. The results showed that young people and middle-aged females were highly knowledgeable. Over half of the total 267 woody plant species in nine use categories (i.e., medicinal, fruits-seeds, fuelwood, beverage, cultural, furniture, craft, fencing and housing poles) had multiple uses. Therefore, differences in knowledge of resource selection and use between social or demographic groups (for example based on gender and age) may appropriately inform conservation prioritisation, planning and monitoring.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)311-322
Number of pages12
JournalApplied Geography
Volume28
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Conservation
  • Indigenous knowledge
  • Livelihoods
  • Non-timber forest products
  • Red Data Lists
  • Savannas
  • South Africa
  • Woody plants

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