Survey of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Malaria and Fever amongst Ethnic Minorities (Mondolkiri, Cambodia)
The research presented in this article has been conducted in the hill tribes' area of the province of Mondolkri in northeastern Cambodia. Kept out of reach by the civil war, these animists groups are virtually unknown – the latest anthropological or ethnobotanical works in the region date back to over half a century. This article offers a preliminary census and botanical identification of thirty one medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria and fever focusing on the Bunong (Phnong) people. It provides information on the local pharmacopoeia, as well as on the social dimensions of the use of native plants. Special attention is given to the concept of malaria amongst the Bunong. This paper also presents a brief description of the influence of the Khmer Rouge regime on traditional medical education, as well as on the creation and organisation of a local medical network.
Background ::: Smallholders have begun to take advantage of a growing pool of investment in climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, early movers in this area are working to develop innovative models that will allow projects to be financially sustainable and scalable while benefiting local actors. This study focuses on two of these projects in East Africa, managed by Vi Agroforestry in Kenya and ECOTRUST in Uganda. They engaged in a participatory action research process to identify ways that local actors could take on expanded roles within the projects.