Browsing by Author "Lawrence Mkabwa"

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    Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Medicinal Plants and Nyamwezi People in Tabora Region, Tanzania
    (Addis Ababa University, 1999-06) Lawrence Mkabwa; Asfaw Zemede (PhD); Mwalyosi R.B. (Professor)
    This study was geared to obtaining and documenting indigenous knowledge used by Nyamwezi people in Tabora region (Tanzania) to conserve and utilise sustainably the diversity of medicinal plants. Tabora rural distllct in which this study was conducted is one of the districts occupied by Nyamwezi people. Four administrative wards were chosen randomly: Magiri, Ilolangulu, Igalula, and Ikongolo. The indigenous knowledge of this cultural group was thought to be impOt1ant due to the fact that Tabora region falls in the 'Miombo' woodland zone where about 60% of the plants are known to have medicinal value. Another factor was that human activities in Tabora are threatening plant survival today. The fact that indigenous knowledge of Nyamwezi was getting eroded with the biodiversity like that of other indigenous cultural groups elsewhere, made this study important. Three survey methods were employed during this study to collect data trom the field. Two participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tec1miques were used to collect indigenous knowledge related to conservation of medicinal plants and/or their habitats. PRA techniques used were open-ended conversation and intriguing practice and beliefs. Semistructured interview was used to obtain the commonly used medicinal plants and related aspects. This method was also employed to ascertain the household's therapy. Paired comparison was used to find out the activities considered most threatening to the diversity of medicinal plants and/or their habitats. It was found that Nyamwezi people host important indigenous knowledge/practice that can be blended with fonnal tec1miques to conserve biodiversity effectively. These include Nyamwezi people beliefs and taboos regarding the conservation and use of medicinal plants, handling and care of sacred groves (Mazimbu), home gardens and observing indigenous rules and regulations. Concerning household's treatment, it was observed that a large number of Nyamwezi people use both traditional and formal healing systems for their primary health care. There was highly significant difference (**p