Ethnobotanical Research

My research revolves around the relationship between the sustainability of ethnic food system and the changing economic landscape.

I have conducted ethnobotanical fieldwork with:

- the Dai in Yunnan

- the Amis in Taiwan

- the Paiwan in Taiwan

The Dai in Yunnan, China

The Dai number more than 800,000 people in Yunnan, China. They possess their own dialect and written language known as Daile. In general, the Dai have developed a relatively self-sufficient way of life and economic system where an agricultural system based on seasonal cultivation of paddy rice and homegardens is practiced. In addition, the Dai hunt, fish, and collect wild plants.

The Paiwan in Taiwan

There are about 68,000 Paiwan living in Pingtung and Taitung Counties in Taiwan. Traditionally, the Paiwan were mountain dwellers. Farming and hunting were basically their traditional way of life. Since the Paiwan were living in the mountains, many of their farmlands were established along the slopes of the mountains.

The Amis in Taiwan

There are about 146,000 Amis living in Taiwan, making them the largest indigenous group in Taiwan. The Amis are generally located in Hualien County and Taidung County. Traditionally, the Amis lived by the sea or in the plains. Farming and hunting were basically their traditional way of life.

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