Abstract:
The study of indigenous knowledge on utilization of native plants as a source of medicine is important to
conserve them and preserve indigenous knowledge for the next generation. The purpose of the current
study was to assess medicinal plants used by local people as a remedy for human and livestock ailments
along with associated indigenous knowledge and conservation. Eight study sites (Kebeles) were selected
using purposive sampling methods based on the availability of key informants and vegetation covers. A
total of 100 respondents (age>20) including key and general informants were selected using purposive
and random sampling techniques respectively. Data were collected from February to May, 2020 by
employing semi-structured interview, questionnaires, focus group discussions and field survey methods.
Ethnobotanical data like local name of plants, ailments treated, parts of plant use, mode of preparation
and administration were collected from the participants. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and
ethno-botanical ranking and clustering methods. Results showed that 86 medicinal plant species
distributed in 77 genera and 46 families were documented in the study area. Most of the species (69) were
collected from wild vegetation. Of the recorded plant species, the majority (50%) of them were reported
to treat only human ailment. The most widely used plant habits were herbs(32.55%) followed by shrubs
(29.1%).The most frequently used plant part was leaf with 41.8% reported preparations followed by roots
with 20.9%.The most widely used method of preparation was pounding 41.8% of the different plant parts.
The common route of administration recorded was oral (40.7%) followed by dermal 29%. Ailment
categories such as dermal category had the highest ICF value (0.84) and bone brake and nerve problem
had lowest ICF value (0.2). Olea europea subsp. Cuspidata and Buddleja polystachya had the highest
fidelity level value, suggesting agreement Artemissia abyssinica among respondents on their efficacy to
treat the diseases they are cited for. There was high preference for Croton macrostachyus for treating
rabies while paired comparison showed Cordia africana was the most preferred species for treatment of
wound by traditional healers and Olea europea subsp. Cuspidata was found the top multipurpose species.
Agricultural expansion, firewood and charcoal collection making were considered major threats to
medicinal plants in particular. The present study revealed people of the area have different depth
and width of knowledge of medicinal plant in their locality. In order to protect biodiversity erosion
and loss of indigenous knowledge, local communities need to involve in conservation and management of
plant resources and their indigenous knowledge.
Keywords and Phrases: Conservation strategies, Ethnobiology, Traditional plant medicine,
Medicinal plants, Traditional healers, Threaten
