The Revival of the Burundian “Traditional” Medicine: Between Ancestral Heritage and Entrepreneurship
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Date
2025-11
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International Journal of Scientific and Management Research, Volume 8 Issue 11
Abstract
In Burundi, 90% of the population use traditional medicine (TM) as an alternative to modern medicine (MM). This practice is currently growing significantly, with a clear rise in demand for its products and services. So far, no research has been done to explore this renewed interest or its causes. This article examines the revival of this traditional medical system, which demonstrates entrepreneurial traits. Data were gathered through ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews with 30 traditional healers, 10 TM product users, and 5 health system staff, as well as participant and non-participant observation. The results show that TM is an ancient practice in Burundi, and its use is linked to internal factors. The resurgence of Burundian TM also follows years of underground activity, after the country’s contact with modernity. The practice of TM contributes to improving the health and socio-economic well-being of the population and should be regulated to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Description
Article de recherche scientifique