Abstract

JIMENEZ CABRERA, Pascual Alexander et al. Knowledge in traditional medicine and its contribution to rural development: case study Totonac region, Veracruz. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.8, pp.1791-1805. ISSN 2007-0934.

The threat to biodiversity in rural areas persists mainly by high rates of deforestation, the expansion of the agricultural frontier, and the contamination of soil and water. The so close links between this cultural diversity in the territories of indigenous peoples make suppose an erosion of indigenous knowledge, linked to the use and exploitation of their plant genetic resources. This study analyses the process of transmission and exchange of knowledge on traditional medicine in two ways: 1) between family members; and 2) between traditional medicine and its complementarity with allopathic medicine. The study was conducted in 2013 in the Totonac region of the State of Veracruz. 53 questionnaires to heads and four key informant interviews were applied to disclose the acquisition and transmission of knowledge and the syncretic act of attention. The results show that traditional medicine still represents an important practice for the health care of members of the family and are the mother and father who favour the transmission of this knowledge to the children through the induction consumption of home remedies; however, gradual loss of knowledge of their ancestors is perceived. Although traditional medicine is kept at the local level and uncommercial in practice to coexist with allopathic medicine, where the actors recognize their respective areas of competence and benefits.

Keywords : health, joint attention; medicinal plants, Totonac region, traditional knowledge.