Asfaw Zemede (PhD)Kelbessa Ensermu (Professor)Amsalu Nigussie2018-07-092023-11-092018-07-092023-11-092010-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7282An Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plant was carried out in Farta Wereda which is found in South Gonder Zone of the Amhara National Regional State that is about 666 km away from north of Addis Ababa. The objective of the study is to conduct ethnobotanical investigation in the area in order to compile and document medicinally important plants in accordance with their traditional practice. The study has been carried out from October 20, 2009 to May 5, 2010 to get valuable information from 20 randomly selected kebeles of Farta Wereda in Amhara National Regional State. In each sample Kebele five informants who are traditional healers and knowledgeable persons were interviewed and randomly selected that make up a total of 100 informants. The ethonobotanocal data were collected through interviewing local communities including local ‘debteras,’ religious leaders, students and Kebele administrators. Primary data were collected using guided field walk, group discussion, semistructured interview and participant observation in the field. The inhabitants of the area have used the medicinal plants not only for medicinal value but also for various purposes and have for a long time been dependent on the surrounding plant resources for their food, shelter, fodders, for their animals, health care and other cultural purposes. In total 146 species belonging to 133 genera and 71 families were recorded. Of these, 136 plant species grouped under 68 families and 123 genera were used to treat human and livestock ailments. Taxa commonly used belong to 4 families such as Asteraceae (9.56 %), Solanaceae (6.62%) and Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (5.15 %, each) in number of species. Herbs formed a major component (41.9%) while shrubs, trees and climbers constitute 32.35 %, 18.38 % and 7.35 % respectively. The study showed that preparation and administration of medicinal plants include several methods. The most frequently used plant parts for the preparations of remedy were leaves 56 (34.78 %), roots 29 (18.01 %) and fruits 17 (10.56%). These medicinal plant parts were processed in various forms and the major ones include crushing 51 (23.29%), powdering 42 (19.18 %) and boiling 19 (8.68 %). The most common mode of administration was oral (52.97 %) followed by dermal (30.14 %). The main threats to medicinal plants in the study area were agricultural expansion, firewood, grazing, drought and construction. It is therefore, recommended that the local people have to be encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants in their homegarden. Key words: conservation, ethnobotany, Farta, healthcare, IK, medicinal plantenconservationethnobotanyFartahealthcareIK,medicinal plantThesis