An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Wonago Woreda,Snnpr, Ethiopia
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
An ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used by indigenous people in Wonago
Woreda, SNNPR was carried out from November 1, 2006 to December 3, 2006. A total of 80
informants (60 males and 20 females) between the ages of 20 and 85 were randomly selected
from the study sites or kebeles. Out of these, 30 key informants (22 males and 8 females) were
systematically selected based on recommendation from elders and local authorities.
Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews, field observations, and
group discussions. Informant consensus, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired
comparison and informant consensus factor (IFC) were calculated. A total of 198 plant
species: 133 species from wild vegetation, 43 species from home gardens and 22 species from
both, belonging to 174 genera and 76 families were collected in the study area. Of these, 58
medicinal plant species belonging to 39 families and 55 genera were useful for treatment of
human health problems. Twenty-seven species (46.5%) of the medicinal plants were shrubs,
followed by 19 (32.7%) herbs, and 12 (20.6%) trees. The most frequently used plant parts
were the roots (17, 29.3%), followed by leaves (14, 24.1%). Different preparation methods
were reported. However, the most widely used method of preparation was in the form of
powder (32, 36.4%), and 29 (32.9%) of the preparations were made by crushing and
pounding and mixed with different plant parts or different part of the same plant. The
common route of application recorded was internal, particularly oral (37, 63.7%). Paired
comparison and preference ranking showed that people have preferences for some species
over others in treating the same ailment. The medicinal plants that are preseumed to be
effective in treating certain diseases such as, ‘malaria and headache’ (82.3%) had higher ICF
value. Agricultural expansion, firewood collection, grazing and drought are major threats to
medicinal plants. It was found that, there is little practice of bringing medicinal plants under
cultivation. Indigenous practicies, various cultural and seasonal restrictions of collecting
medicinal plants have contributed to the management and conservation of medicinal plants in
the area. It is therefore, recommended that people need to be encouraged to cultivate
medicinal plants in their home garden. The participation of the local people and awareness
creation through training or education on sustainable utilization and management of plant
resources should be encouraged.
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Biology