From life force to slimming aid: Exploring views on the commodification of traditional medicinal knowledge

• Published in: Applied geography (Sevenoaks) Vol. 28; no. 3; pp. 224 - 235
• Main Author: Vermeylen, Saskia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2008
• Subjects: Benefit sharing; Commodification; Indigenous knowledge; Traditional medicine; Traditional medicine; Indigenous knowledge; Benefit sharing; Commodification
• ISSN: 0143-6228; 1873-7730
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeog.2008.02.003

The commodification of traditional knowledge is a lively topic for academic debate, with opinions ranging from categorical rejection of this process, to views that it could be a liberating act. This debate is often characterised by generalisations and a lack of empirical engagement. This paper presents a case study of the commercialisation of traditional medicinal knowledge of the San in Southern Africa. A scenario survey in 3 communities reveals a range of different views amongst individuals and communities, much of which could be linked to differing local and historic socio-economic factors. Although the survey indicates that commodification is widely accepted, the subsequent use of a ‘life story’ approach to examine the actual commercialisation of the Hoodia ( Hoodia Gordonii—a plant with appetite suppressant properties), shows that this acceptance is problematic. San informants reflect on it as a pragmatic choice informed by experiences of deprivation and economic hardship, resulting in a process which changes the cultural meaning of the plant and undermine its traditional healing power for the San themselves.