The role of knowledge transfer in the sustainability of herbal medicine practices in Bangladesh

Background: Herbal medicine practices in Bangladesh face sustainability challenges due to insufficient knowledge transfer mechanisms. This study examines how herbal practitioners transfer knowledge within families and communities, the challenges and opportunities in this process, and the role of effective knowledge transfer in sustaining these practices.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten herbal practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Data were analyzed qualitatively to identify themes related to knowledge transfer processes, barriers, and sustainability.
Results: Practitioners primarily transfer knowledge through familial inheritance, direct observation, and informal teaching. Challenges include economic constraints, lack of documentation, reduced interest among younger generations, and inconsistent institutional support. Opportunities identified include leveraging online platforms, fostering cooperative learning, and formalizing apprenticeship models. Effective knowledge transfer was linked to the longevity and adaptation of practices, ensuring their relevance in modern healthcare.
Conclusion: Strengthening knowledge-sharing mechanisms is vital for preserving and sustaining herbal medicine practices in Bangladesh. Integrating traditional methods with modern tools and structured training can enhance sustainability and promote the practice’s evolution.