I used to be ashamed. The influence of an educational program on tribal and non-tribal childrens knowledge and valuation of wild food plants

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2013.03.001
Countries: 
DOI: 
10.1016/j.lindif.2013.03.001
Type: 
journal article
Journal: 
Learning and Individual Differences
Number: 
27
Pages: 
234 - 240
Authors: 
Howard Patricia L.
Description: 

This study examines the influence of an extra-curricular educational program on children's knowledge and cultural valuation of wild food plants, which are an important component of their diets. This program aims to reinforce children's traditional knowledge and values around biological resources in Wayanad, India's Western Ghats, encouraging tribal and non-tribal children to learn from each other and from their own communities. Results show that the educational program has enhanced children's ability to identify selected wild food plants. Moreover, strong social stigma related to wild food plant gathering also appears to have been effectively countered, and the program seems to have created more self-confidence among the children about (a) the perceptions of others' social attitudes towards their gathering practices, and (b) the importance of these plants as part of their diets and cultures. ?? 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Publication year: 
2013