Ethnomedicinal Knowledge Transmission in Dhule District

The transmission of ethnomedicinal knowledge in tribal regions such as Dhule District, Maharashtra, is a critical yet understudied component of India’s traditional healthcare system. This study documents and analyzes the ways in which medicinal plant knowledge is passed across generations among indigenous communities, especially in Songir and surrounding areas. A total of 60 informants were interviewed using ethnobotanical survey methods, including semi-structured interviews and guided forest walks. Findings revealed that oral transmission from elders (82%) remains the predominant method, while apprenticeships and community foraging also contribute to knowledge retention. However, modern education, urbanization, and socio-economic change are weakening these traditional pathways. The study highlights the urgent need to document, preserve, and integrate traditional plant-based knowledge systems into community healthcare and education. Recommendations include local herbarium development, policy support for healers, and community-led digital databases. This research contributes to the broader understanding of ethnobotany and cultural preservation in Western India.