A study of factors influencing the market participation in tribal economy of medicinal plants: Insights from selected villages of Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh

Traditional healthcare systems rely heavily on medicinal plants, which also offer Indian tribal populations substantial economic opportunities. Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, is the centre of this study, which investigates the factors influencing market participation in the tribal economy of medicinal plants. With 20.40% of the district’s land covered by forests and 47.9% of the population living in tribal communities, the region offers a unique setting for examining the dynamics of the medicinal plant market. Implementing a comprehensive methodology, the study interviewed 313 people directly in four different villages: Bhundakona, Damgarh, Pharrisemar, and Umargohan. Using a snowball sampling technique, the Socio-economic standing of populations reliant on medicinal herbs was evaluated. In order to examine the determinants impacting market participation, the study used a Probit econometric model, taking into account variables including age group, family size, annual income, education level, primary collectors and knowledge of medicinal plant. A number of important factors that influence market participation are shown by key findings. The age group had the biggest influence, increasing the likelihood of market involvement by 55.7%. Primary collectors of medicinal plants were 33.5% more likely to be involved in the market, whereas family size showed a 26.4% increase in market engagement. The respondents’ awareness of medicinal plants raised the chance of market involvement by 26.5%. With a notable 14.1% increase, education level had a beneficial impact on market involvement, underscoring the significance of skill development and literacy. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant correlation between market involvement and annual income. For those interested in traditional knowledge preservation, sustainable economic development, and the potential of medicinal plants as a sustainable livelihood strategy for tribal groups, this study offers insightful information to stakeholders, researchers and policymakers.