Documentation of Traditional Practices for Mitigating the Effects of Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorous L.) on Agriculture and Health in District Bajaur, KP, Pakistan

Abstract

 Parthenium hysterophorus, an aggressive invasive weed, poses a severe threat to agriculture, environment, and public health in Pakistan. This study aimed to document and analyzes traditional practices used by farming communities in Bajaur to mitigate the impacts of parthenium on crops and human health. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations with 120 respondents, including farmers, herbalists, and traditional healers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Findings revealed that 81.7% of respondents identified parthenium as the primary cause of reduced crop yields, while 74.2% associated it with human health problems such as skin rashes, respiratory irritation, and livestock toxicity. Among traditional agricultural practices, manual weeding (63.3%) and burning (50.0%) were the most frequently used methods, followed by crop rotation (40.8%), mulching (21.7%), and competitive cropping (20.0%). In terms of health remedies, communities reported reliance on home treatments (60.0%), including ash and turmeric applications, and herbal formulations (58.3%), such as neem paste and Aloe vera extracts. Perceptions of control effectiveness were mixed, with 55.8% of farmers considering traditional practices effective only in the short term. The study concludes that indigenous knowledge provides low-cost and culturally relevant strategies for managing parthenium but is insufficient for long-term control due to labor intensity and the weed’s prolific seed bank. Integration of traditional practices with scientific approaches, such as biological control, selective herbicide use, and awareness programs could enhance sustainability. Policy interventions supporting farmer training, validation of herbal remedies, and invasive weed management programs are recommended to strengthen both agricultural productivity and community health resilience.