Study of Traditional and Formal Knowledge of Acorn Harvesting of Brant`s Oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) trees in the Zagros Forests, Iran

Traditional knowledge is knowledge that is obtained due to the experience and traditions of the local people of a region and using the method of trial and error in a laboratory called nature. The identification of traditional forest-related knowledge has become very important in recent decades, especially in the field of achieving sustainable forest management and with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable local, regional, national and global development. The purpose of this study is to identify the traditional knowledge related to harvest of acorns of Quercus brantii Lindl.

This research was carried out in two local regions of Chigo and Bidleh located in Monj section of Lordegan city in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The required information was obtained from the local community by reputation approach and using 56 interviews. The role of acorns in formal studies was also examined separately using library studies to evaluate the traditional knowledge of acorn harvesting of these trees. Finally, using qualitative evaluation and analysis of effects and consequences, ten criteria for measuring traditional and formal knowledge and the difference between the two knowledge were explained.

Among other uses of acorns which is almost common in most rural households in the study area the use of oak seeds (acorns) to prepare various muskets is common. The various uses of oak that are commonly used by local people living in the Zagros, such as: oak sap, oak kebab and boiled oak. Also, a brown colored juice called Qazūlah honey is formed on the fruit cup in late summer and early autumn, which is called "Man Shocked".

The results showed that since a formal knowledge can be based on scientific needs, the speed of information production, the rule of scientific regulation, scientific accuracy and media communication in line with research related to the seeds of Quercus brantii trees can be the benefits of formal knowledge. In this process (similar to other formal knowledge), but on the other hand, traditional knowledge due to adaptation to local conditions and social acceptance can provide the basis for participatory management in the Zagros forests.