Assessing the relationship of profile characteristics of the tribal farmers with overall perceived effectiveness of Ethno medical practices in Idukki district of Kerala

Abstract

The study assesses the relationship between the profile characteristics of tribal farmers and their perceived effectiveness of Ethno-Medical Practices (EMPs) in addressing health-related ailments in the Idukki district of Kerala. Perceived effectiveness was operationalized as the degree of positive outcomes obtained through EMPs, as rated by tribal farmers. A Perceived Effectiveness Index (PEI) was developed to measure the effectiveness of EMPs based on 17 traits evaluated on a three-point continuum (agree, undecided, disagree). The overall perceived effectiveness index (OPEI) was calculated for individual respondents. Data collected from 452 respondents revealed a mean OPEI of 2.39, with 74.34% of farmers falling into medium to high OPEI categories, indicating that EMPs are generally perceived as effective. Correlation analysis identified that significant positive relationships existed between OPEI and the variables such as age, farm size, years of experience. Self-reliance, conservatism-liberalism, fatalism-scientism, religious belief, intra tribal communication, environmental orientation, belief in EMP and attitude towards EMP, while educational status, occupational status, family status, material status, livestock possession, farm power status, social participation, mass media participation, extension agency contact, innovativeness, economic motivation, progressivism-traditionalism and rational orientation showed significant negative relationships. Non-significant associations were found for scientific orientation and value orientations. The findings underscore the cultural relevance and practical value of EMPs, highlighting their low cost, eco-friendliness, and alignment with socio-cultural values. The study recommends focused efforts to promote EMPs through policy initiatives and community-based interventions to enhance their adoption and sustainability.