Use and Management of Traditional Medicinal Plants by Indigenous People of Dire Enchini District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

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