ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES,

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN

OFFA WOREDA WOLAITA ZONE, SNNPRS

MSc THESIS

By

YASIN TUSHE

ADVISOR

TIZAZU GEBRE (PhD)

AUGUST, 2016

ARBA MINCH, ETHIOPIA

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN
OFFA WOREDA WOLAITA ZONE, SNNPRS

YASIN TUSHE LALISHE

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY, COLLEGE OF NATURAL

SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY IN
PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF
SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY.

AUGUST, 2016

ARBA MINCH, ETHIOPIA

Declaration

I hereby declare that this MSc thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree
in another University, and all sources of materials used for this thesis have been duly
acknowledged.

Name: _________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________

Date: __________________________________________
 SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY

ADVISOR’S THESIS SUBMISSION APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants in
Offa Woreda Wolaita Zone, SNNPRS” has been carried out by Yasin Tushe Id. No
SMSc/059/05, under my supervision. Therefore, I recommend that the student thesis can be
presented for review and open oral presentation.

Tizazu Gebre (PhD) _______________ ______________

Name of advisor Signature Date

EXAMINERS’ APPROVAL PAGE

As members of the Board of Examiners of the MSc Thesis Open Defense Examination, we
certify that we have read and evaluated the thesis prepared by Yasin Tushe and examined the
candidate. We recommend that the thesis be accepted as it fulfills the requirements for the
Degree of Master of Science in Biology.

______________ _________________ ______________

Name of Chairperson Signature Date

_______________ ________________ ______________

Name of Internal Examiner Signature Date

_________________ ________________ ______________

Name of External Examiner Signature Date

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and for most, I would like to extend my unshared thanks to the almighty God for providing
me the opportunity for what I have achieved and for his mercy. I am indebted to a large number
of individuals for their encouragement and help while conducting this study. Next to God, my
deepest gratitude goes to my advisor Tizazu Gebre (PhD) for his intellectual feedback, valuable
suggestions and advice in proposal development, data collection and thesis writing.

Thirdly, my special thanks to my friends Haron Molla, Tesema Balla, Tilahun Tona, Silas
Ufaysa, Abraham Ayele and Edengenet Bekele are unforgettable for their cooperativeness and
providing me all-sided helps during data collection, getting internet service to accomplish my
study successfully.

I would also like to thank, Education Office of Offa Woreda for the provision of one year off
work time for thesis write-up.

My heartfelt thanks also goes to my family members for their encouragement and sustained
support during the study period.

Last, but not least my deepest gratitude goes to my wife Kidist Yonas for her encouragement and
unreserved support in one way or the other to the successful completion of this work.

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Acronyms
FDREMH Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Minster of Health

HO Health Officer

IK Indigenous Knowledge

NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan

NGO None Governmental Organizations

OWAR Offa Woreda Annual Report

OWHCO Offa Woreda Health Center Office

SNNPRS South Nation Nationalities and People Regional State

SPSS Statistical package for Social Sciences

THs Traditional Healers

TM Traditional medicine

TMPS Traditional Medicinal Plants Species

UNEP United Nation Environmental Program.

WARDO Woreda Agricultural Rural Development Office

WHO World Health Organization

WZMS Wolaita Zone Metrological Station

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 Table of Contents
Contents Pages
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................................. i
Acronyms ...................................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... iii
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the study ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statements of the problem ................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Objectives............................................................................................................................................ 4
1.3.1 General objective ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.3.2 Specific objective ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Research questions ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Significance of the study ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.6 Delimitation of the study .................................................................................................................... 5
1.7 Operational Definition ........................................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERETURE REVIEW ............................................................................................... 7
2.1 Origin and development of ethnobotany ............................................................................................. 7
2.2 Plant and people interaction .............................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Medicinal plant diversity and distribution in Ethiopia ........................................................................ 8
2.4 Current status of medicinal plants in Ethiopia.................................................................................... 9
2.5 Use of TMPS in Ethiopia .................................................................................................................... 10
2.5.1 Medicinal Plants for Human Ailments ........................................................................................... 12
2. 5.2 preventing infectious diseases .................................................................................................. 10
2.5.3 Curative practices ...................................................................................................................... 10
2. 5.4 Surgical practice ........................................................................................................................ 11
2.5.5 Trading purpose ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.6 IK Associated to Conservation of MP .............................................................................................. 13
2.6.1 Indigenous Knowledge ............................................................................................................... 13
2.6.2 Conservation of traditional medicinal plants ............................................................................. 14
Chapter Three: Materials and Methods ..................................................................................................... 17

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 3.1 Description of the study area............................................................................................................ 17
3.1.1 Ethnicity ..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.1.2 Climate and agro ecology........................................................................................................... 19
3.1.3 Land use and Socio-economic conditions .................................................................................. 19
3.1.4 Health services ........................................................................................................................... 20
3.2 Methods ............................................................................................................................................ 20
3.2.1 Sampling design and data collection methods .......................................................................... 20
3.2.4 Key informants........................................................................................................................... 21
3.2.6 Medicinal plant species specimen Collection and identification ................................................... 24
3.3 Ethical consideration..................................................................................................................... 24
3.4 Data analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.1 Preference ranking method ....................................................................................................... 24
3.4.2 Direct matrix ranking method .................................................................................................... 25
3.4.3Pairwise comparesion. ................................................................................................................ 25
3.4.4 Correlation ................................................................................................................................. 25
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ............................................................................................ 25
4.1 Indigenous knowledge of the people on the use of traditional medicine. ....................................... 26
4.2.3 The effect of month income on consumption of TM..................................................................... 30
4.3 Medicinal plant species richness of the study areas......................................................................... 31
4.3.1 Distribution of medicinal plant in the study Kebeles ................................................................. 32
4.3.2 Medicinal plant species habitat types in the study area ............................................................. 32
4.3.3. Ranking medicinal plants .......................................................................................................... 33
4.3.3.2 Paired comparison ................................................................................................................... 34
4.3.3.3 Direct matrix ranking methods ............................................................................................... 36
4.5 Plant Parts used as medicine in the study area. ............................................................................... 37
4.6 Mode of preparation and amount/dosage ....................................................................................... 38
4.7 Growth form/habit of MP ................................................................................................................. 39
4.8 Medicinal plants used against human ailments in the study areas. ................................................. 40
4.8.1 Solanum spp. .............................................................................................................................. 40
4.8.2 Eucalyptus globules .................................................................................................................... 42
4.8.3 Vernonia amygdalina ................................................................................................................. 43
4.8.4 Ruta chalopensis ............................................................................................................................ 44

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 4.9 Medicinal plants used for livestock in the study area ...................................................................... 44
CHAPTER FIVE: Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................................. 46
5.1 Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................... 46
5.2 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................ 47
References .................................................................................................................................................. 48

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List of Appendices
Appendix: 1 Semi-structured interview ...................................................................................................... 56
Appendix:2 Lists of key informants............................................................................................................ 59
Appendix: 3 Medicinal plants of the study areas ........................................................................................ 60
Appendix: 4 Medicinal plants used for livestock ailments in the study areas. ........................................... 63

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List of Tables
tt

Table 1 Five years temperature ………………………………...…………………………...…………….22

Table 2 Selection of households and healer ………………………………………………………………22

Table 4.2 Agro ecological classifications by IP ……………………………………………….…………28

Table 4.3 Age of participants …………………………………………………………………..…………29

Table 4.4 Consumption rate of TMPS based on month incomes of participants …………………………32

Table 4.5 Preference ranking ……………………………………………………………………………..35

Table 4.6 Paired wise comparison ………………………………………………………………………..37

Table 4.7 Direct matrix ranking …………………………………………………………………………..38

Table 4.8 users of Solanum spp …………………………..…………………………………………..…..44

Table 4.9 Numbers of livestock in the study area ………………………………………………...………48

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List of figures

Figure 1 Map of study Area ………………………………………………………………………………18

Figure 2 Relationship between consumption of TMPS and age of informants ……………………….….30

Figure 3 Relationship between consumption of TMPS and educational level …………………......…….31

Figure 4 Asteraceae family ………………………………………………………………………..……...32

Figure 5 Plant parts used as medicine ………………….…..………………………….………………….39

Figure 6 MP parts used by healers ………………………………………………………..………………40

Figure 7 Mode of preparation …………………………………………………………………………….41

Figure 8 Growth form of MP ……………………………………………………………..………………42

Figure 9 Solanum spp.……………………………………………………..……..…………..……………44

Figure 10 Eucalyptus globules ………………………………..……………..……………………………45

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Abstract
An Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plant species used by traditional people in Offa
Woreda, Wolaita zone, SNNPR was carried out from September, 2008 E.C to August, 2008 E.C.
In the study areas traditional medicine addresses the problems of scarcity of drugs and health
related problems. The aim of this study was to collect, identify and document the practice of
traditional medicinal plant species. A total of 146 households (119 males and 27 females)
between the ages 22 to 75 were systematically selected from the complete list of three Kebeles.
Similarly, 9 key informants (7 males and 2 females) and 30 traditional healers (10 males and 20
females) were purposively selected based on recommendations from Kebele chairman and local
elder people. Ethnobotanical data were collected using, semi-structured interview, group
discussion, field observation and market survey. The collected data were analyzed by using
descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages), preference ranking and paired comparison,
direct matrix ranking method and correlation by using SPSS software version 20. A total of 51
medicinal plant species belonging to 43 genera and 35 families were documented in this study.
Out of these, 27(52.9%) were collected from wild, 21(41.2%) were cultivated and 3(5.9%) were
collected from both wild and home garden. 36 medicinal plant species were used to treat human
ailments. Six medicinal plant species were used to treat livestock and nine were used for both
human and livestock. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves 18 (35.3%), followed by
11(21.6%) roots. The age of participants and consumption rate of traditional medicine have a
positive correlation(r = 0.999). However, educational level of informants (r = -0.878) and
consumptions rate of traditional medicine were negatively correlated. The widely used method of
preparation was crushing and mixing with different plant parts. Deforestation, agricultural
activities, firewood and charcoal are major threats to medicinal plants in the study area. It is
recommended that isolating the main factors for the loss of medicinal plant and taking action is
the way of conservation. Instead of using firewood and charcoal, using alternative energy such as
biogas is advisable.

Keywords: Conservation, Ethnobotany, Medicinal plant species, Offa Woreda, Wolaita Zone

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study

Nature is the greatest source of inspiration for humankind to- day, as well as a remedy for many
health problems. Virtually 71% of new drugs that have been approved since 1981 have directly
or indirectly been derived from natural products (Newman and Cragg, 2012). Plants play a major
role in treating both human and livestock ailments. For long periods of time directly and
indirectly people used plants as a medicine. The history of plant used traditionally as a medicine
were started early as 5000 to 4000 B.C in China. Much of an indigenous knowledge (IK) system,
from the earliest times, is also found linked with the use of traditional medicine (TM) in different
countries (Farnsworth, 1994).

The relationship between natural environment and human being is interlocked because people
depend on natural environment and the vice versa is true. Ethnobotany is defined as “local
people's interaction with the natural environment: how they classify, manage and use plants
available around them”. It involves an interdisciplinary approach surrounding the fields of
botany, chemistry, pharmacology and anthropology (John Wiley, 1996).

The traditional medicinal use of Anthocleista is in the treatment of stomachache, fever,

constipation, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, wounds etc. (Ateufack et al., 2014). The term TM
refers to any ancient, culturally based health care practice different from scientific medicine and
largely orally transmitted practice used by communities with different cultures (Cotton, 1996). It
also defined as health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal
and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied to
treat and prevent illnesses or maintain well being (WHO, 2003).

Many local communities prepare TM from different parts of plants. As stated by Tesfaye and
Sebsebe (2009), many indigenous local communities have developed various traditional systems
using locally available resources for the alleviation of health problems. Traditional healers (THs)
use different mechanisms to prepare TM. The value of medicinal plants (MP) to human
livelihoods is essentially infinite (Hamilton, 2004). MP have source for the invention of novel
drugs (Wright, 2005) and 25% of modern drugs contain one or more active principles of plant
origin (Medhin et al., 2001) and top 25 best selling medicines in the world originated from plant

1
materials (Ohigashi, 2008). Both developing and industrialized countries use TM to meet some
of their primary health care needs. In China, traditional herbal preparations account for 30%-
50% of the total medicinal consumption. In Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Zambia, the first line of
treatment for 60% of children with high fever resulting from malaria is the use of herbal
medicines at home (Bannerman, 1993).

Due to uncontrolled human activities the natural resources of Ethiopia decline through years. In
Ethiopia, the majority of the rural populations traditionally use many plants as sources of
medicine for humans and livestock (Tesfaye et al., 2009). In many parts of Ethiopia, THs use
roots, barks and other parts of the plant to prepare phytotherapies and in the process they have
developed their own local knowledge (Fisseha Mesfin, 2007). This knowledge is transferred
orally from generation to generation through herbalists and knowledgeable elders. The IK system
in Ethiopia is not fully documented when compared to available multiethnic, cultural and flora
diversity (Fisseha et al., 2009). The current account of MP of Ethiopia, as documented for
NBSAP by TesemaTanto et al., (2002), shows that about 887 plant species were reported to be
utilized in the TM. Out of these, 26 species are endemic and they are becoming increasingly rare
and are at the border of extinction.

Wolaita Zone located in SNNPR, Ethiopia, has diversified of flora and fauna. The size and
quality of natural resources in Wolaita decline through years due to over growth of populations.
Some endangered species were lost and many species under threat. Local community of Wolaita
use traditionally plants as a medicine. The majority of traditional medicinal plants (TMPS) were
collected from wild and some are cultivated in home garden. An ethnobotanical study of TMPS
used by people in Wolaita zone Offa Woreda, SNNPR was carried out from September, 2015 to
August, 2016.

2
1.2 Statements of the problem

The vast majority of Ethiopia's population lives in rural areas where the health care coverage is
low and where existing public sector resources are being stretched to the limits. One of the
greatest challenges facing the country is determining how best to narrow the gap between the
existing services health and the population whose access to them is very limited (WHO, 2013).
In 2003/04, at least 30% of populations did not have easy access to formal health services. The
private practitioners also work exclusively in large towns. If it were possible to calculate for rural
alone the rates will be very far below the standard (WHO, 2013). A study of pharmaceutical drug
use showed that 35% of the patients did not obtain the prescribed drugs due to lack of money
(WHO, 2013). However, most TMs are delivered either free or with a relatively low cost, which
contributes to the use of rural based healers for community primary health care need.

Environmental degradation, agricultural expansion, loss of forests and woodlands, over-

harvesting, fire, cultivation of marginal lands, overgrazing and urbanization appear to be

the major threats to the TMPS of Ethiopia. Endemic medicinal species restricted to Ethiopia are
primary concern to Ethiopia and to the world as well and thus need serious attention. For many
years the rationale behind using TM was the search for society friendly sources of primary health
care. With passage of time, it gains additional importance as technology for different disease
treatment. In developing countries TM addresses the problems of scarcity of drugs and health
related problems due to loss of forests and lack of efficient inexpensive drug sources (Tesfaye et
al., 2009).

The lack of conservation activities is observed in the study woreda, which is similar to other
areas of, Ethiopia. Even though it is known the Woreda has relatively better plant resource and
associated traditional knowledge resource is expected to be significant. The current plant use
trend shows that the environment is facing problems of resource depletion and loss of IK like
other area of the country (Talemos S et al., 2013).

Offa Woreda is characterized as high populated, low health service, high practice of TMPS and
low income. This study assesses the Conservation Strategies of TMPS under taken by HHs
&THs. The study also assess the major causes of TMPS loss in Offa Woreda

3
 1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

The main objective of this study is to collect, identify and document the practice of TMPS use in
the study area/ Offa Woreda.

1.3.2 Specific objective

The specific objectives of the study are:-

 To document IK of the people on the use of TMPS in the study area

 To assess the factor that affect the consumption rate of TMPS

 To document a list of TMPS in the study areas

 To list the distributions of TMPS in different habitat and agro-climatic zone.

 To identify major parts of TMPS used against livestock and human health problems in the study
areas

 To identify the mode of preparation and growth form of MP

1.4 Research questions

This study attempted to answer the following questions:-

1. What is the IK associated with the use of TMPS against human and livestock health problem?

2. What are the main factors that affect the TMPS consumption rate in the study area?

3. How many TMPS was distributed in different habitat and agro-climatic zone?

4. How many MP are there in the study research area to be used against human and livestock health
problem?

5. Which parts of TMPS are used in the study area?

6. What is the mode of preparation and growth form of MP?

4
1.5 Significance of the study

Different stake-holders (Governmental and non-governmental organization) involved in rural

development were highly concerned with loss of TMPS and they have been taking considerable
measures to increase knowledge of conservation and to improve or maintain the existing natural
resource base of the country.

The study findings will therefore help the Woreda Administrative Office to design strategies that
can bring positive outcomes to the conservation of MP diversity. In addition, the study results
will also be used as an initiative for further related research works in the study.

1.6 Delimitation of the study

The study was conducted to analyze the use of TMPS and conservation in Wolaita Zone Offa
Woreda. It is due to limited resource and time that the study is restricted to one Woreda out of
the total 12 Woredas and 3 administrative towns in the zone. This may hinder investigating
society decision behavior for identification of TM practices in the whole population of the zone
that belongs to a single nationality group. Therefore, the study results are not as comprehensive
as that may be obtained from a study considering all Woredas of the zone.

1.7 Operational Definition

Traditional medicine (TM):- is the sum total of the knowledge, skill, and practices based on the
theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not,
used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or
treatment of physical and mental illness.

Medicinal Plants:- are the useful plants for primary health care and as remedy for diseases and
injury, and plants used traditionally for foods and drinks and which are believed that they are
good for health; the MP include foods, drinks, herbs and species.

5
Traditional healer: -a person in a primitive society who uses long-established methods passed
down from one healer to another to treat a person suffering from various illnesses, many of
which have psychological underpinnings.

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CHAPTER TWO: LITERETURE REVIEW

2.1 Origin and development of ethnobotany

Since the time of hunting and gathering human beings were used plants as a medicine.
According to Cotton (1996), the work of ethnobotany was started with Christopher Columbus in
1492, at a time when he brought tobacco, maize, spices and other useful plants to Europe from
Cuba and when other immigrants from the new world documented food, medicine and other
useful plants of the Aztec, Maya and Inca peoples.

As stated by Balick (1996), the term ethnobotany first coined by John Hershberger in 1895.
However, this term has been given different interpretations and definitions depending on the
interest of workers involved in the study (Cotton, 1996). According to Martin (1995),
ethnobotanical studies are mainly useful in documenting, analyzing, and disseminating of
knowledge on the interaction between biodiversity and human society, and how biodiversity is
valued in different societies as well as how it is influenced by human activities. This in turn
shows that ethnobotany is interactive and dynamic field of study. According to Bye (1985),
ethnobotany defined as the study of the relationship, which exists between humans and their
ambient vegetation

According to Balick and Cox (1996), ethnobotanical investigation documents the knowledge on
cultural interaction of people with plants. It also tries to find out how local people have
traditionally used plants for various purposes, and how they incorporated plants in to their
cultural tradition and religions. Therefore, traditional local communities worldwide have a great
deal of knowledge about native plants on which they intimately depend (Langeheim and
Thimann, 1982).

As stated by Martin (1995), to achieve more detailed and reliable information of plants and plant
use, ethnobotanical study needs involvement of specialists from various disciplines, such as plant
taxonomists, plantecologists, anthropologists, linguist’s economic botanists, pharmacologists and
others. With such interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches, ethnobotany is aimed at
gathering and documenting indigenous botanical knowledge, cultural practice, use and
management of botanical resources and discovers benefits from plants

7
French, British and Italian travelers, naturalists, pharmacogonists and plant collectors who
visited Ethiopia between about 1830 and 1930 gave lists of plants used medicinally and their
conception by the local traditional medicine men (Griaule, 1930). The most significant reports
after the year 1930 on herbal medicine in Ethiopia are those of (Lemordant, 1960., Strelyn, 1965,
1968, 1973., Kloos H. 1976, 1978., Gelahun et al. (1976)., Gebreegziabher et al. (1979)., Mesfin
Taddesse and Sebsebe Demissew, 1992).

2.2 Plant and people interaction

According to Martin (1995), traditional people around the world possess unique knowledge of
plant resources on which they depend for food, medicine and general utility including
tremendous botanical expertise. This implies that humans are dependent on other organisms for
their life. Although various animal and mineral products contribute to human welfare, the plant
kingdom is most essential to human well being especially in supplying his basic needs. The
indispensable dependency of humans up on plants for their livelihoods was primarily started by
domestication and dates back to 10,000 years (Zemede Asfaw, 1997). Over centuries, indigenous
people have developed their own locality specific knowledge on plant use, management and
conservation (Cotton, 1996).

2.3 Medicinal plant diversity and distribution in Ethiopia

Different vegetation types that are found in the various agro ecological zones of Ethiopia
accommodate various types of medicinal plants. Edwards (2001), reported that the woodlands,
Montana vegetation including grasslands and forests and the evergreen scrubs and rocky areas
contain more medicinal plants with higher concentrations in the woodlands. Since 1000

8
Identified TMPSs are reported in the Ethiopian Flora, however, many others are not yet
identified. About 300 of these species are frequently mentioned in many sources.

Jansen (1981), asserts that Ethiopia has rich MP lore and points out that almost all plants of the
Ethiopian flora are used somewhere somehow medicinally. Other workers on the other hand
estimated about 60% of the flora to be medicinal, and most sources give about 10% of the
vascular flora to be medicinal. The list cover plants that are widely used by the local
communities in lowlands and highlands for treating human ailments and some of them for
livestock ailments as well as for prevention of pests and vectors.

According to Edwards (2001), the greater concentration of MPs are found in the south and south
western Ethiopian parts of the country following the concentration of biological and cultural
diversity. The various citations made from various written records of MPs from central, north
and northwestern part of Ethiopia are thus small fractions of MP present in Ethiopia. Study on
the Bale Mountains National Park in the South East Ethiopia revealed that the area, as much as it
is a biodiversity hotspot, also turned out to be a MP hotspot with 337 identified medicinal
species of which 24 are endemic (Haile Yineger, 2005).

Ethiopia is also a home of many languages, cultures and beliefs which in turn have contributed to
the high diversity of IK and practices of the people which, among others, include the use of
medicinal plants. In 1993 it was reported that 80% of the Ethiopian population still depends on
traditional medicine for their health care practices. More than 95% of traditional medical
preparations are plant origin.

2.4 Current status of medicinal plants in Ethiopia

According to UNEP (2014), Ethiopia is believed to be home for about 6500 species of higher
plants with approximately 12% endemism, and hence one of the six plant biodiversity rich
countries of Africa. The diversity is also considerable in the lower plants but exact estimate of

9
these have to be made. The genetic diversity contained in the various biotic make up is also high
thus making the country a critical diversity hot spot for plants.

As stated by Thulin (2004), Ethiopia has a significant portion of two of the world’s 25
biodiversity rich areas hot spot i.e. the eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot and the Horn
of Africa-Biodiversity Hot Spot. These hotspots house a lot of the useful wild biodiversity,
particularly that of MP. The biodiversity of Ethiopia was known since 5000 years ago when
ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used it as a source of unique commodities like
Frankincense, Myrrh and other plant products, which are also used for medicine preparation.

2.5 Use of TMPS in Ethiopia

2. 5.1 preventing infectious diseases

According to Pankhurst (1965), traditional Ethiopian medicine includes several elements or

disease prevention. In the past, the spread of highly infectious diseases such as smallpox was
prevented by deserting places where the epidemics occurred. Sweeping or covering floors with
particular plants is another traditionally practiced disease preventive measure. Other methods of
disease prevention include isolating people with contagious diseases, prohibition or controlling
movement and taking children away from the affected areas. Kitabs are also used for the purpose
of protecting an individual against evil eye, as well as snake and scorpion bites. Still other
medicines are available for use as charms against an enemy. In addition, cultural rituals and
scarification are commonly employed in diseases prevention (Schneider et al., 1989).

2.5.2 Curative practices

Traditional Ethiopian medicine is commonly used to treat a variety of diseases employing

substances as recommended by professional traditional medical practitioners. According to
Negussie B (1988), professional traditional healers known by different names in different parts
of the country are the primary players in the curative aspect of TM practice. One

10
of the well-recognized groups of these healers are the secular medhanitawakis(kitelbetashs)
herbalists using plants as their primary means of providing treatment. A large number of plant
medicines are used, and for the purpose of references, most medhanit awakes possess
pharmacopoeias. Minerals and animal-derived substances are additional items in the
pharmacopoeia of medhanit awakes (Moges A, 1984). The medhanitawakis diagnose disease
conditions mostly by physical examination and questioning patients. Sometimes they prescribe
medicines based on descriptions from informants. They prepare their medicines in various
dosages and forms and administer medicines via different routes. After preparations, many of the
medicines are stored in containers anywhere at home without special requirements. Although the
medhanitawakis make efforts to modernize their practices, they do not normally employ any of
the equipment and techniques used in conventional medical or pharmaceutical practices (Moges
A, 1984).

2. 5.3. Surgical practice

Traditional practices considered to be related to surgery include bone-setting, circumcisions,

bleeding and cupping, cautery, scarification and tooth extraction (Gebere Selassie et al., 1984).
The setting of bones is regarded as an important surgical procedure which requires a certain
degree of skill and experience on the part of the healer. In most places, the healer involved in
bone-setting is the local wogesha. In many situations, the wogesha practices his/her skills
without aseptic conditions, with or without the application of medicines. Other procedures are
indicated for more specific conditions such as rheumatism, bleedings, swelling, wounds,
headache, localized infections, and snake and scorpion bites (Moges A, 1984).

According to WHO (1990), midwifery is one of the most common practices of traditional
Ethiopian medicine. It is performed by traditional midwives commonly known in Amharic as
yelmidawalajs, (traditional birth attendants) and most yelmidawalaj are women. Depending on
the need, they carry out their practice with or without the administration of medicines.

11
2.5.4 Trading purpose

According to WHO (1990), traditional medicines are sold in every open market in Ethiopia and
households, especially in the rural areas. Market vendors selling these materials are women.
These medicines are usually sold to the public together with other materials such as spices, salt
and other food items. Traditional medical treatments are also commonly given at the household
level. There is significant knowledge of medicinal plants in the nonprofessional public domain
where most ailments are diagnosed and treated at the household level. Where traditional
professionals are consulted, it is often for their specialized traditional knowledge and skills
pertaining to a relatively limited range of health. Most of the families grow or gather these plants
in their vicinities of homes (Fassil H, 2003).

2.6. Medicinal Plants for Human Ailments

As showed by (Asfaw Debela et al., 1999), in Ethiopia, plants have been used as a source of TM
from time immemorial to combat different ailments and human sufferings. Due to its long period
of practice and existence TM has become an integral part of the culture of Ethiopian people
(Pankhurst, 1965 and Mirgissa Kaba, 1996). It is common for people living in rural and urban
centers to treat some common ailments using plants available around them. (For example, the
flowers of Hagenia abyssinica used to expel tapeworm, Ruta chalepensis leaves used to treat
various health problems (Abbink, 1995).

The continued dependence on herbal medicine alongside modern medicine is largely conditioned
by economic and cultural factors (Abbiw, 1996). Modern healthcare has never been and probably
never will provide for the related to rapid population growth, political instability and poor
economic performance (Anokbonggo, 1992). Due to incomplete coverage of modern medical
system, shortage of pharmaceuticals and unaffordable prices of modern drugs, the majority of
Ethiopian still depends on traditional medicine (Dawit Abebe, 1986). The problem of ensuring
the equitable distribution of modern healthcare has become more serious, as the gap between
supply and demand has continued to widen. Hence, in present-day Africa including Ethiopia, the
majority of people lack access to healthcare, and where available, the quality is largely below

12
Acceptable level (Abbiw, 1996).Foreseeable future adequate and equitable health service
anywhere in Africa, due to the financial limitations

2.7Indigenous knowledge associated to Conservation of MP

2.7.1 Indigenous Knowledge (IK)

The term IK refers to the accumulation of knowledge, rule, standards, skills, and mental sets,
which are possessed by local people in a particular area (Quanash, 1998). The immediate and
intimate dependency of local people on natural resources resulted in the accumulation of
indigenous knowledge that helped people to adapt to and survive in the environments in which
they live. It is local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society and the base for
agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, environmental conservation and a host of
other activities (Thomas, 1995).

According to Alcorn (1984), IK develops and changes with time and space. Hence such
knowledge includes time-tested practice that developed in the process of interaction of humans
with their environment. One of the widely used IK systems in many countries is the knowledge
and application of TMP. Such knowledge known as ethnomedicinal knowledge involves
traditional diagnosis, collection of raw materials preparation of the IK on plant remedies in many
countries including Ethiopia, pass from one generation to the other generation verbally with great
secrecy. Such secret and verbal transfer makes the IK or ethnomedicinal knowledge vulnerable
to distortion and in most cases some of the lore is lost at each point of transfer (Amare Getahun,
1976), hence the need for systematic documentation of such a useful knowledge now-a-days
through ethnobotanical research. It provides a distinctive worldview of which outsiders are rarely
aware and at best can only incompletely grasp (Balick and Cox, 1996).

13
According to (Mathewos et al., 2013a), in most case, the tradition of conveying TM knowledge
to the next generation is at old ages to keep secret. In this process of transferring at the old age,
most of IK and practices die out with the old knowledgeable individual. At this age, he/she loses
memory. She/he cannot walk to distant places to show or train important MP. In other word,
there is less ability of children to understand/ memorize things. Therefore, there was knowledge
and skill gap during transferring IK. As stated by Dawit Abebe (1986), most Ethiopian TM
knowledge is kept in strict secrecy; however, it is dynamic in that the practitioners make every
effort to widen their scope by reciprocal exchange of limited information with each other or
through reading the traditional pharmacopeias.

2.7.2 Conservation of traditional medicinal plants

The term conservation is defined as the sustainable use of biological resources. The concept of
sustainability is now seen as the guiding principle for economic and social development,
particularly with reference to biological resources. According to Zemede Asfaw (1997), MPs are
considered to be at conservation risk due to over use and destructive harvesting (roots and barks
collection). Availability of MP has been affected by a dramatic decrease in the area of native
vegetation due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, fire, overgrazing, and drought, trading
charcoal and firewood and urban associated developments (Cunningham, 1996 and Kebu
Balemie et al., 2004). However, there were checks and balances in the past that made the use of
such plants sustainable.

As stated by Zemede Asfaw (2001), in Ethiopia, TM as elsewhere in other developing countries

is faced with a problem of sustainability and continuity mainly due to loss of taxa of MP, loss of
habitats of medicinal and other category of plants and cultures. The diversity of plants in
Ethiopia is on the process of erosion due to anthropogenic pressures (Abebe Demisse, 2001). The
same document states that habitat destruction and deforestation by commercial timber interests
and encroachment by agriculture and other land uses have resulted in the loss of some thousand
hectares of forest which harbor useful medicinal plants, annually over the past several decades.

14
Dawit Abebe and Ahadu Ayehu (1993), found that many medicinal preparations use roots, stem
and bark by effectively killing the plant in harvest. Plant parts used to prepare remedies are
different; however, root is the most widely used part. Such wide utilization of root part for
human and livestock ailments with no replacement has severe effect on the future availability of
the plant. Recent work of Haile Yineger (2005), confirms the fact that of the total plant parts to
prepare remedies root is widely used with 64 species (35.5%) followed by leaf 47 species
(25.97%) which hence affects sustainable utilization.

In a broad sense, conservation is achieved through in-situ and ex-situ means. In-situ conservation
is conservation of species in their natural habitat. Some TMP have to be conserved in-situ due to
difficulty for domestication and management (Zemede Asfaw, 2001). Moreover, some plants fail
to produce the desired amount and quantity of the active principles under cultivation out of their
natural habitats. MP can also be conserved by ensuring and encouraging their growth in special
places, as they have been traditionally (Zemede Asfaw, 2001), this can be possible in places of
worship (churches, mosques, grave yards, etc), scared grooves, farm margins, river banks, road
sides, live fences of gardens and fields.

2.7.2.1 Home Garden Management

Home gardens are rich in species diversity than that of away from home due to hipping and
spreading of household wastes that served as manure for their growth. Women regularly manure
home garden plants with house wastes including cow-dung (Mathewos et al., 2013b). This
traditional practice is used to conserve a lot of plant species with their associated knowledge.
Farmers deliberately preserve some native tree, shrub and herb species for a variety of purposes
especially for immediate access. The more the multiple uses a plant has for local people, the
more conservation of that plant resource through cultivation and protection in and around home
gardens and farm areas. The presence of on farm agro forestry and home garden diversity with
knowledge about their use are important for the conservation of plant diversity and
environmental suitability.

15
2.7.2.2 Meeting local and global healthcare needs

The growing recognition of the importance of MP in meeting local and global healthcare needs
provides an important opportunity for conservationists, TM proponents, local communities and
others to work together to develop mutually supporting solutions to problems associated with
forest loss and biodiversity erosion. Nowadays, sustained and coordinated efforts are needed to
transform currently unsustainable practices of MP mining from wild sources to more
ecologically sustainable, socially acceptable, and economically equitable production and
utilization systems (Parrotta, 2002). In fact such valuable activity requires appropriate action,
and changes by the full range of societies and stakeholders involved in the conservation,
production, management, marketing, processing and use of MP and their derivatives. Since an
action on conservation and sustainable use of MP need involvement of various sectors and
greater public support, it needs a continuous task of creating public awareness (Shanker, 1993).

16
Chapter Three: Materials and Methods

3.1 Description of the study area

Offa Woreda is one of the 12 Woredas and 3 city administrations in Wolaita Zone. It is located
South Western Ethiopia, 419 km South-West of the capital city of Addis Ababa. It is 183 Km
South-West of the regional capital, Hawassa and 29 km from Soddo town. Offa woreda is
located at 37045’0”E and 6035’0”N. According to CSA (2007), housing and population census of
Ethiopia the total population of the study Woreda was estimated to be 122,548. Out of these,
68,747 were males while 53,801 were female. Its capital is Gesuba town. The area is bounded by
Kindo Koysha Woreda in the North, Gamo Goffa Zone in the South, Sodo Zuriya Woreda in the
Northeast, Humbo Woreda in the East and Kindo Didaye Woreda in the West. It is found at the
altitude of 1200-2000m above sea level (OWAR, 2014).

17
 Figure 1:- Map of the study areas
3.1.1 Ethnicity

People in the study area belong to the Wolaita nationality group and have unique cultural
practices and social structure. Wolaita belongs to the Omotic family in the Southern Ethiopia.
The language, which is locally called “Wolaittatuwaa or Wolaitta qaalaa”, is classified as a
dialect of the central Omotic languages along with Gofa, Gamo, Dawuro, Konta, and others
(Data Dea, 1997). Until the introduction of Christianity in the 17th Century, the Wolaita people

18
were followers of traditional religion. Regarding to the religion, 45(30.8%) participants were
Orthodox, 91(62.3%) were Protestant and no other religion followers were participated in this
study. This shows that the study area was dominated by two religions, especially Protestants. The
reason for this is in Southern Ethiopia, the Protestant religion was first addressed in Wolaita
Zone Offa Woreda.

3.1.2 Climate and agro ecology

According to data obtained from WZMS (2011), Offa Woreda annual temperature ranges
between 14-34oC while the mean annual temperature is 34oC. The annual rain fall ranges from
800mm-1400mm, and there is a marked variability in occurrence and volume of rain during the
rainy season. Based on the relationship between elevation and temperature, Offa Woreda
contains three agro-ecological zones Kolla 62%, Woyna Dega 22% and Dega 16%, although
there is no clear cut distinction between their boundaries (OAR, 2010).

Table 1:- Five years annual mean temperature graph

35
29 30
30 28
24
25
18
Tempreture in 0C

20

15

10

0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Years

3.1.3 Land use and Socio-economic conditions

Regarding with land use system, of the estimated total 37,473 hectare land area, about 23,396
hectare is under cultivation, about 2,278 hectare land is covered by bush, shrubs and forests,
about 194.33 hectare is used for grazing, about 9,681.17hectare of land is under settlement. The
remaining 1,922.5 hectare is used for other purposes (OAR, 2010). Agriculture is the main
source of incomes for local communities in the Woreda. The principal agricultural activity is
crop cultivation which is entirely rain fed with livestock rearing undertaken as secondary

19
activity. A society use TMPS for primary health care of both human and livestock in the study
area.

3.1.4 Health services

During this study period, the Offa Woreda had 4 health centers (Gesuba, Murae, Yakima and
Waraza), no hospital, 9 health stations and 4 private drug stores to service more than 122,548
people. Among 4 health centers one (Gesuba) had a combined functional bed capacity of 11
rooms. The health institutions were mal-distributed, short-staffed and weakly equipped. Due to
unfavorable conditions the health workers shift to other health centers within a year. That makes
also shortage of human resource. According to OWHCO (2015), in the each health center there
were no doctors, 2-4 health officers or HO and 70 health extension workers in the study Woreda.
The greater part of health works are nurses and midwife nurses.

3.1.5 Vegetation of the study areas

In the study area the plant vegetation cover ranges from bare to sparsely vegetated plants to
grasslands, shrub lands, and woodlands. Natural vegetation has almost decreasing in the
study area, although some Bushes and woody trees can still be observed includes,kassio,
Acacia (Grar), Grasses such as vet-berry, Dasho, Elephant grasses integrated with shrubs,
Luccinia, wanza, kerkaha, susbania and Tikur- inchet.Vegetation removal through
deforestation and overgrazing accelerated many aspects of land degradation. Deforested
land is susceptible to erosion which caused considerable nutrient movement that could
have contributed to the soil organic matter to be reduced. Consequently, vegetation
removal caused shortage of fuel, hence people use plant residues as fire, which otherwise
could have been resulted for fertility replenishment (OWAR, 2010).

3.2 Methods

3.2.1 Sampling design and data collection methods

3.2.2 Sampling design

The study area was one of the high practices of TMPS observed Woreda in Wolaita Zone. Due
to that it was purposively selected based on the information obtained from Wolaita Agricultural
Office. The three Kebeles (Yakima with four villages, Galako with three villages and Mancha
Gogera with two villages), which are found at the study Woreda were selected for

20
Ethnobotanical data collection. From each selected Kebele, ten traditional healers (totally 30)
were selected purposively following with the help of Kebeles chair-man and local elder people.
Traditional healers identified were asked for their permission to share their knowledge only for
the purpose of this study.

3.2.3 Sample size and sampling techniques

Samples which involved in this study were selected purposively with the help of Kebeles
administration leaders and elder peoples. Those Kebeles which have nearly the same climatic
conditions with other Kebeles are not selected. Three Kebeles Yakima (“Dega”), Galako
(“Woyna Dega”) and Mancha Gogera (“Kolla”) were selected from the 23 Kebeles in the
Woreda. Then sampling of household was done by systematic random sampling technique. It is a
type of probability sampling method in which sample members from a larger population are
selected according to a random starting point and a fixed periodic interval. The sample size of
household needed were identified and then divide the total number of household (N) with the
sample size (n) to obtain the sampling fraction (eth) from the complete list. Each 10th of the
sample fraction was used as the constant difference between households. According to Woreda
Agricultural report, the total number of households living within study area was 1,460. Of these,
the sample 146 households have been selected for the interview using systematic random
sampling technique.

Table.2. Sample size and sampling techniques

Participants Population Sample size % Sampling

No M F T M F T techniques
1 Households 1,193 267 1,460 119 27 146 10 Systematic
random sampling
2 Traditional healers 37 53 90 10 20 30 33.3 Purposive
sampling
3 Key informants 13 4 17 7 2 9 53 Purposive
sampling
Total 1243 324 1567 136 49 185 96.3
M=Male, F=Female, T= Total.

21
Total population of the study was 1567 whereas total sample size was 185 who were participated
in three study Kebeles.

Table 3:- Selection of households and healers

No Kebele Village Selected households Healers

1 Village 1 15 3
Village 2 12 3
Yakima Village 3 10 2
Village 4 15 2
Total 52 10
2 Gelako Village 1 19 4
Village 2 15 4
Village 3 12 2
Total 46 10
3 Mancha Gogara Village 1 23 6
Village 2 25 4
Total 48 10
Total 9 146 30

From the total of 9 villages 146 households and 30 THs were selected and participated in this
study. As shown in the table 2, from the total sample of household about 119 (81.5%)
participants were male and 27(18.5%) were female.

3.2.4 Sampling Key informants

To determine the implications of TMPS conservations and ethnobotanical practices in the study
area, the key informants were needed. The key informants were those people who were well
knowledgeable, well familiar with the study site. In this case, 9 key informants were selected
through purposive sampling based on recommendations from local authorities (Kebele
administrators and local elder peoples) (Appendix 2). They were selected from three Kebele,
namely, Yakima, Galako and Mancha Gogera.

22
3.2.5 Ethnobotanical data collection

The methods used for ethnobotanical data collection were semi-structured interviews, group
discussion, field observation and market survey.

3.2.5.1 Semi- structured interview

The respondents background, health problems treated, treatment methods, local name of
medicinal plants used, source of collection (wild or cultivated), used to treat human or livestock
ailments, plant part used as medicine, threats to medicinal plants and conservation practice of the
respondents were recorded. Semi- structured interview sessions were employed with the help of
local assistants (Martin, 1995; Alexiades, 1996).

3.2.5.2 Group discussion

Group discussion was made in selected study Kebele. Thirty informants (ten from each Kebeles)
were randomly selected. The informants were grouped in to two age group, young (20-30) and
adult (above 46) to see how the ethnobotanical knowledge varies with age. Checklist for each
group was prepared to guide topics for open ended dissociation with traditional medicinal plant
species practices.

3.2.5.3 Field observation

Field observation was conducted throughout the whole process of the research in order to ensure
the validity of the obtained information, in field observations, the type of MP, the
source/location, the human activities that cause loss to TMPS, and conservations of MP were
carefully observed (Alexiades, 1996).

3.2.5.4 Market survey

Market survey and observation was conducted at “Giyaa” (is a type of market which take place
once a week or Monday where more than 10 Woredas people attend) and “Qocaa” (which take
place all days’ and the local people attend regularly). To assess the products of TMPS supplied
from the surrounding with the objective of understanding the system in income generation to the
household (Martin, 1995). In addition, the market survey was used as an occasion to hold
discussions members of households that are not captured during the sampling.

23
3.2.6 Medicinal plant species specimen Collection and identification

The MPs were collected from forest and home gardens. Before the present study made, no plant
species were documented in the study areas. THs and medicinal users traveled a long distance
and differentiate TMPS from the others by seeing and smelling. Due to that the healers faced a
problem to identify. In this study the pressed MP has been taken to Addis Ababa National
Botanical Herbarium and identified.

3.3 Ethical consideration

Ethical procedures the researcher followed in order to gather appropriate data from intended
sources were support letters and permission from Arba Minch University, institutional
permission from Wolaita Zone and selected Kebeles. Avoiding bias when selecting respondents,
asked willingness of respondents and having permission from them. Gathering data by his/her
own presence and Kebeles collaborated by themselves and assigning volunteer traditional healers
to facilitate data collection. Keeping secrecy of information and acknowledging the sources of
information were some of activities the researcher applied during the study.

3.4 Data analysis

Ethnobotanical data were analysed using direct matrix ranking methods, preference ranking
methods and paired comparison based on methods given by Martin (1995) and Cotton (1996).
Descriptive statistics (percentage and frequencies) were computed to describe the ethnobotanical
information on the plant species used for medicinal, associated knowledge and conservation
status. Qualitative data obtained from key informants was subjected for thematic (means
connected with them or themes with something) analysis. Finally, all the results were presented
in tables and figures.

3.4.1 Preference ranking method

Martin (1995), noted preference ranking techniques as useful for gathering information on the
different needs, feelings, and priorities of different categories of individuals within a community
and numerical values were assigned to each item. In this study preference ranking of plant
species was compared on three selected Kebele. Preference ranking of four MP that were
reported as effective for treating snake bite was conducted in this study.

24
3.4.2 Direct matrix ranking method

Direct matrix ranking method techniques was conducted. The key informants were asked to
assign use values (4=Best, 3=very good, 2=good, 1=poor and 0=undefined), using numerical
scale in which the highest number is equal to the most preferred item whereas, the lowest to the
least one. Then the key informants were asked to rate their preferences. Finally, the values of
each species was summed up and ranked. Five commonly reported multipurpose MP and four
diseases treated were involved in this study (Marten, 1996).

3.4.3 Pairwise comparison

Pairwise comparison can be used for evaluating the degree of use certain selected plants. This
method was used to find out about the result of four TMPS used to treat malaria following the
procedure as described by Martin (1995). Nine key informants were purposively selected based
on the recommendations of local authorities (Kebele chairman and elder people) to show their
responses independently for pairs of four MP that are noted for treated malaria.

3.4.4 Correlation

In this study three variables (TMPS consumption with the age of participants, month income and
Educational level) were correlated by using SPSS software version 20.

25
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Indigenous knowledge of the people on the use of traditional medicine.

Based on their IK the study area people categorize land forms, vegetation, soil types and agro
ecology. According to the information gathered from the key informants and other TM users
majority of the TM knowledge concentrated on the mind of healers.

4.1.1 Agro ecological Classification by indigenous people.

The indigenous people classify the study area in to three agro-climate groups based on the
altitude.

Geeziiyyaa:-refers to highland. Found above 1500m sea level. The MPS that grow in this area
include:- “Naatiraa”/Artemisia absinthium, “Tuummuwaa”/Allium sativum, “Dachchi-
maracciya”/Lannea fruticosa, “Shillariyaa”/Foeniculum vulgare, “Boorisaa”/Echinops kebricho ,
“Olomuwa”/Pycnostachys abyssinica, “Aguppiyaa”/Artemisia afra, “Uuttaa”/Enset ventricosum,
“Sibbikka”/Lepidium sativum and “Banggaa”/Hordeum vulgare.

Baarguuwa: - It refers to the middle land. It covers the areas between 1000-1500m above sea
level. The main MPS types that grow in this area are, “Banggaa”/Hordeum vulgar,
“kookkiya”/Peunus persica, “Yeenjeeluwaa”/Zingiber officinate, “Jimma”/Catha, “Gelesho-
tambbuwa”/Laggera pterodonta

Garaa: - refers to lowland. It covers below 1000m sea level. The MPS that grow in this agro-
climate include, “Halakkuwa”/Moringa stenopetala “Ambbiya”/Terminalia schimperiana and
“Ochaa”/Syzgium ghineese.

26
Table 4.2:- Agro-ecological classifications by indigenous people.

Agro ecology Meaning of the categories Category Location or place where it

classification found
Geeziiyyaa Area greater than 1500m Highland Yakima, W/aldada, Lasho,
above sea level Bollola, Zaamo, Waraza
Saddoye, kankko/bush she
and Garrbe
Baarguuwa Area between 1000-1500m Middle land Gelako, Bushaa, Daaqayaa,
above sea level
Garaa Area less than 1000m above Low land Mancha Gogara, Gesuba,
sea level. Sere-esho and Koddo.

4.1.2 Vegetation classification by indigenous people.

The local people classify vegetation in the study area in to four groups based on their size and
density.

Tushshaniyaa: refers to an area in which sparsely populated plant species growing far to each
other. This area includes herbs and grasses. Some TMP grow in this area. It is near the home and
healers use this area effectively.
Darraa: It refers to an area with sparsely growing tree shrubs but a good number of herbaceous
species including grasses used for grazing.
Gattaa: it refers to grassland used mainly for grazing. This area is a natural habitat for some
animals. Different species of grasses were found in this area.
Woraa: it refers to densely populated plant species growing more close to each other which
include mainly shrubs and tree with various sizes.

27
4.2 Factor that affect the consumption rate of TM

4.2.1 The effect of age on the consumption of TMPS.

Out of 146 participants (Households), 64(43.8%) were reported as they used traditionally plant
as a medicine in the study area. The remaining 82(56.2%) did not use. Regarding to their age 9
(6.2%) between age of 20-30, 19 (13%) between age of 31-40 and 36(24.7%) greater than age of
40 years used TM. Age of from 20-30 years less use TM, because of modernization, which was
discouraged by people who were aware of modernization, lack of knowledge on the TM, lack of
training and giving less attention for TMP. In the reverse, both sexes whose ages were greater
than 40 years used traditional medicines effectively. Because they have been cured from
diseases, they had knowledge and experience of TM.

Table 4.3: - Age of participants

Age Frequency Percent %

20 -30 year 9 14.1

31-40 year 19 29.7

40+ year 36 56.25

Total 64 100

28
 40
35
r = 0.999
Consumption rate
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50

Age of respondents
Microsofit excel 2007

Figure 2:- Relationship between consumption of TMPS and age of informants

Thus, the result of the study shows that TMPS consumption rate in the study area is strongly
positively correlated (r=0.999) with the age of users. Elder people in the study areas use TMPS
effectively than the younger.

4.2.2 The effect of educational level on the consumption of TM

The information gathered from participant’s show that more educated people did not use TM for
their primary health care. They think that use of TM is the behavior/character of illiterate person.
Regarding to their level of education, 132(71.4%) were 0-5, 29(15.7%) were 6-7 and 24(12.9%)
were >8th grade level respectively. When students attend the school teachers taught the side
effect and disadvantageous of using TM. Then the students oppose the society using TM. The
people become discouraged and stop using TM. The educational level (r= - 0.878) and
consumption rate of TM is negative correlated. The educated people use modern medicine than
traditional one. Access to modern clinics also contributes to loss of indigenous knowledge of
traditional medicine

29
 140

120
r= -0.878
100
Consumption rate

80

60

40

20

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
-20
Levele of education

Figure 3:- Relationship between consumption of MP and educational level

4.2.3 The effect of annual income on consumption of TM.

The majority of participants responded that they did not have constant average monthly income,
except Safety net. In the society view person who uses safety net program have low month
income and locally called “hiiyyeessa” meaning poor person. The month income range between
500 -2000 use TM effectively for primary health care and the rest didn’t. The consumption rate
of TMPS is negatively correlated (r = - 0.914) with month income of participants. Based on their
month income the consumption level categorized in Table 4.3

30
Table 4.3: Consumption rate of TMPS based on month income of participants

Annual income of participants Consumption rate of TMPS

Frequency Percent %

500 - 1000 birr 42 65.6

1001 - 2000 birr 17 26.6
2001 - 4000 birr 2 3.1
4001 - 5000 birr 3 4.7
Total 64 100

4.3 Medicinal plant species richness of the study areas

Fifty-one medicinal plant species distributed in thirty-five families were collected and identified.
Asteraceae was widely used family in the area. Solanaceae and Fabaceae followed it (Appendix
3). The finding agrees the finding of Fisseha 2007; Talemos et al., (2013).

a) Artemisa absinthium b) Echinops kebricho c) Laggera pterodont

Figure 4:- Asteraceae family (photo by Yasin Tushe 2015)

31
The medicinal plants that recorded in the Offa Woreda are also used as remedies in other parts of
Ethiopia. Thirty-one MPS are listed in Engedasew Andarge (2014), fifteen MPS are mentioned
in Seyoum Getaneh (2009), six species in Mesfin Taddesse and Sebsebe Demissew (1992), nine
plant species in Kebu Balemie (2004), twelve plant species in Mirutse Giday (1999).

4.3.1 Distribution of medicinal plant in the study Kebeles

The highest numbers of MP 24 (47.1%) were found in Galako Kebele (figure 5). The reason
behind that is the agro-climate of Galako is locally known as “Woyna dega” which is more
suitable for plant growth. When we go from lowland to highland the distribution of plant
richness is become increase up to middle land then decreasing down. It is structure look like
hump of ox. So the numbers of plant species were found in middle altitude (Woyna dega) is
higher than the rest. Due to that this Kebele is referred as rich in species than the others. The
least numbers of MP 11(21.5%) were found in Mancha Gogera Kebele. The main reason for this
is the people in the area didn’t conserve TMPS. They use as they want. In addition, the MP
grown in the place obtains low rainfall and threatened by drought.

From the total of MP found in Yakima Kebele 10(47.6%) were cultivated, 5(18.5%) were
collected from wild and 1(33.3%) were collected from both. In Gelako Kebele 6(28.6%) were
cultivated, 16(59.3%) were collected from wild and 2(66.7%) were from both. Whereas,
3(14.4%) were cultivated and 8(29.6%) were collected from wild in Mancha Gogera Kebele.
This shows that the practice of cultivating medicinal plant were less in the study areas.

4.3.2 Habitat types of MP species in the study area

From fifty-one MPS identified in the study areas, 27(52.9%) were collected from wild, 21
(41.2%) were cultivated and the remaining 3(5.9%) were collected from both. The work of
Fisseha Mesfin (2007), shows that majority of the MP were collected from the wild which
accounted for 61.1% respectively and some are collected from home garden in his respective
study sits. Similarly, in this study areas the majority of medicinal plants were found in the wild
and some of them were cultivated (see appendix 3). Because of this THs and medicinal users
travel 8-11 kilo-meters to obtain MP.

32
If the medicinal plants were not properly cultivated at home garden, the elder THs would have
less chance to obtain MP because of its distance from the home, lack of energy, lack of
transportation and related problems. In addition, the younger did not want to travel long
distances and use TMPS. The concern of the researcher was that the elimination of medicinal
plant species due to lack of knowledge by next generation may take place. As the researcher
believed, the solution of the problem was training the new generation about the benefits of
TMPS and encouraging the healers to cultivate it on the home garden.

4.3.3. Ranking medicinal plants

4.3.3.1 Preference ranking methods

Preference ranking method was used when there are different species prescribed for the same
health problem; people show preference of one over the other (Martin, 1995). Preference ranking
of 4 MPs that were reported as effective for treating Snake bite was conducted after selecting 9
key informants. The informants were asked to compare the given MP based on their
effectiveness, and to give the highest number 4 for the MP which they thought most effective in
treating Snake bite and the lowest number 1for the least effective plant in treating snake bite.

Table 4.5 Preference ranking of medicinal plants of study areas used to treat snake bite. Use
values (4=best, 3=very good, 2=good and 1=less used)

Medicinal plant for snake bite Informants leveled A-I

Total Rank
A B C D E F G H I

Alysicarpus ferrugineus 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 12 4th

Carex steudneri 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 20 2nd

Chamaecrista mimosoides 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 18 3rd

Albiza schimperiana 3 2 3 3 4 2 3 2 2 24 1st

Source: Own survey data from the study area 2015.

33
Thus, the findings indicated that Albiza schimperiana ranked first and most effective MP to treat
Snake bite in the study areas. Carex steudneri and Chamaecrista mimosoides (L) ranked second
and third most preferable MPs in treating Snake bite of humans based on the response of
informants. Alysicarpus ferrugineus (A.Rich) was fourth ranked medicinal plant and it was least
effective for treating the disease when compared with the others based on the response of
respondents.

4.3.3.2 Paired comparison

The nine key informants were selected to carry out pair wise comparison of four MP and asked
them to compare the given MP based on their knowledge to treat malaria. The study result
indicates that Moringa stenopetala was ranked first and more effective for treating malaria.
Alluim cepal and Allium sativum were ranked the second and third. Carica papaya was ranked
the fourth and last. This shows that the least ranked plant was less effective for treating malaria
in the study areas. According to Fisseha Mesfin (2007), Vernonia amygdaline was ranked first
for treating malaria, croton macrostachyus, Allium sativum and Lepidium sativum were ranked
second, third and fourth respectively on his study.

34
Table 4.6 Paired wise comparison of MP use to treating malaria. (I1 = informant one, I2=
informant two and etc…and the values 5= best, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = less used, 1 = least
used and 0 = not used)

Medicinal plants

Informants
Allium sativium Moringa stenopetala Carica papaya Allium cepal

I1 3 5 2 0

I2 3 4 1 1

I3 0 2 0 2

I4 1 5 0 4

I5 1 3 3 3

I6 1 4 2 1

I7 0 3 1 0

I8 2 4 0 1

I9 0 4 0 2

Total 11 34 9 14

Rank 3rd 1st 4th 2nd

Source: own survey data from the study area 2015

35
4.3.3.3 Direct matrix ranking methods

Accordingly to Cotton (1996), in a direct matrix ranking method MP was found to be

multipurpose species being utilized for a variety of uses. In the present study the common uses of
MP include medicinal, cash income, firewood and charcoal. Four commonly reported
multipurpose MP and four varieties of uses were involved in direct matrix ranking exercise in
order to evaluate their relative importance to the local people and the degree of the existing
threats related to their use values.

As shown in the table 4.7, Eucalyptus globules were ranked first. Terminalia schimperiana,
Croton macrostachyus and Ruta chalepensis were ranked second, third and fourth. These results
show that Eucalyptus globules had multipurpose use than the others in the areas. The least
ranked species in multipurpose aspect are Ruta chalepensis. Thus, the least ranked species were
less threatened and dominantly distributed species in the area.

Table 4.7 direct matrix ranking of four medicinal plant species. Use values (4 = best, 3 = very

good, 2 = good, 1 = less used, 0 = least used)

Croton Ruta chalepensis Eucalyptus Terminalia

macrostachyus globules schlmperiana
Use

Medicinal 4 4 3 3

Cash income 2 3 2 1

Firewood 4 0 4 4

Charcoal 1 0 4 4

Total 11 7 13 12

Rank 3 4 1 2

36
4.5 Plant Parts used as medicine in the study area.

The traditional healers (THs) and medicinal users used different parts of plants as a medicine.
These parts include leaf, root, stem, fruit and bark (Appendix 3).

Leaves and roots were the most frequently used plant parts which account 35 and 22% leaves
and roots of the medicinal plants, respectively (Fig 6). The leaf was one of the most common
used plant parts in the preparation of TM. The work agrees with Mirutse Giday (1999), Fisseha
Mesfin (2007) and Endalew Amenu (2007). Ato Onno Cholo in Fig 7 a) is the known healer in
Yakima Kebele and W/o Wandale Chakiso b) in Mancha Gogera Kebele, they showed the leaf
and root parts has been used.

20
18
16
14
Frequency

12
10
8
18

6
4
9

2
4
1

0
Leaf root bark Fruit Stem and Shoot All parts Flower
leaf

Figure 5:- Plant parts used as medicine

37
 (a) (b)
Figure 6:- Medicinal plant parts used by healers (photo by Yasin Tushe 2015)

4.6 Mode of preparation and amount/dosage

Most remedial preparation was made by crushing mixing (63%), followed by chewing (14%) and
other forms (14%) The result of this study is in line with the study made by Fisseha Mesfin
(2007), who indicated that 36.4% preparation were made in the form of powder.

38
 70

60
Precent

50

40

30 62.7%

20

21.5%

15.8%
10

0
Crushing & mixing Chewing Others

Methods of preparation

Figure 7:-Percent of mode of preparation for MP

For example, the curing potential of Solanum macrocarpsm in the treatment of pneumonia and
common cold is increased by mixing with fruits or bulb of Allium sativum in the preparation.
According to Dawit Abebe and Ahadul Ayehu (1993), the effect of one plant on the other in
prescription of multiple sources is well recognized in Ethiopia traditional medicinal practice.
Regarding to the use of MPs people was taken it as traditional ways. Less prescription was given
to the people. The people were used as they want. This over dosage leads to other health
problems. Another problem observed in this study was lack of knowledge of healers’ on TMP.
Some healer’s give wrong description and unrelated MP to the diseases. As the users said that at
least one people per year was faced to illness and death in such ways. To understand the
quantity/dosage people used various units of measurements. Such measurements are numbers
(E.g. for leaves, seed, fruit and flowers) was used to estimate and to fix the amount of medicine.

4.7 Growth form of MPS

Different growth forms/habits were listed. In this study, not all plant growth forms are equally
used as remedies. Herbs were the dominant or frequently used plant remedies in the study areas.
From the total amount 18(35.3%) were Herbs, 13(25.5%) were tree, 16(31.4%) were shrubs,
2(3.9%) was climber, 1(2%) was runner and 1(1.9%) was epiphytes. This finding agrees with the
findings of Hussin Adal Mohammed (2004), Abiyot Birhanu (2002) and Mirtsue Giday (2007),
they showed that herbs are the most frequently used.

39
 40
35
Percent
30
25
35.5

31.4
20

25.5
15
10
5

2
0

1
Figure 8:- Growth form/habit of MP

4.8 Medicinal plants used against human ailments in the study areas.
There were a number of MPs used to treat human ailments in the study areas. Out of 51 listed
MPS belonging to 31 families were used by human. The family Asteraceae contributes five
species; Fabaceae is the following containing 4(11.4%). Solanaceae and Euphorbaceae
contribute three species. The dominance of the family Asteraceae in human health treatment has
also been reported by (Seyoum Getaneh, 2009). This agrees with the findings of Endalew Amenu
(2007).

4.8.1 Solanum macrocarpsm

Solanum macrocarpsm belongs to a family Solanaceae. The family Solanaceae consists of 90
genera and 3000-4000 species with great variation in habit and distribution on all continents
except Antarctica. Solanaceae is commonly known as “the nightshade family” due to the
poisonous alkaloids present in some species. While the etymology of the genus’ scientific name
is unclear, it may be derived from the Latin word “sol”, meaning "sun," referring to its affinity
for sunlight, or from the Latin word “solare”, meaning "to soothe”, the Latin word “solamen”,
meaning "a comfort", or the Akkadian word “sululu”, meaning “happy” (Weese and Bohs,
2007).
The local /Wolaita name of Solanium macrocarpsm is “bulo santtaa”. This plant is very crucial
in the study area. It is collected from both wild and cultivated/home garden. The people use this
plant as a medicine to treat diseases. The disease has been treated include: common cold,
influenza, abdominal cramps and pneumonia. The plant is categorized under angiosperms. This

40
plant has a medium leaf size when compared with that of other Solanaceae family. The average
length of its stem is between 0.63-0.85 m (fig 11). It has a white colored flower, a young fruit
has green color and when it rips the color of fruit become yellow.

Instead of the fruit, people used leaves and flowers as a medicine. The leaves were boiled,
crushed, mixed with butter and taken orally. Based on the response of the respondents the plant
is growing in anywhere or every climate. It is only used for treating disease, but not commonly
used as food and less sold in the market.

Table 4.8 Users of Solanum macrocarpsm in the study area

Medicinal plant Kebeles No of users Percent (%)

Yakima 18 28.1

Solanum macrocarpsm
Gelako 20 31.1

Mancha Gogara 26 40.6

Source: own survey data from the study area 2015

As it was listed in the table 4.8, from the total of 64 traditional medicinal users 18(28.1%) were
used Solanium macrocarpsm as a medicine in the Yakima Kebele respectively. Of these,
20(31.3%) and 26(40.6%) were used in Gelako and Mancha Gogara Kebele respectively. This
shows that in each study Kebeles the people were used Solanium macrocarpsm as a medicine to
treat various diseases. As showed in the table 4.8 the highest number of users was listed in
Mancha Gogara and the least one was in Yakima Kebele.

41
 Figure 9:- Solanum macrocarpsm (photo by Yasin Tushe 2015)
4.8.2 Eucalyptus globules
Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.) belong to the family Myrtaceae. The local/Wolaita name of the tree
is “bootta zaafiya”. The stem of the tree is white and the word “bootta” is derived from its color.
It is a perennial tree. The people in the study areas used the trees for different purposes including
treating disease, fire wood and different construction purposes. Diseases treated by using this
plant are stomachache/Karshshuwa and common cold. The people used leaves and fruit cover as
a medicine and stem as firewood and construction. The leaves were chopped, crushed and mixed
with water. Then boiled and taken orally to treat common cold. The Seed coverage is chewed
and swallowed to treat stomachache/ karshshuwa. The leaves and Seed coverage were found
markets being sold and purchased entirely for purposes of their medicinal applications.

a) Seed coverage b) leaf

Figure 10:-Eucalyptus globules (photo by Yasin Tushe2015)

42
4.8.3 Vernonia amygdalina
Vernonia amygdalina Del. belongs to the family Asteraceae. The local/Wolaita name of this
plant is “Garaa” meaning a bitter leaf. This plant plays a great role in the study area. It is used to
treat diseases like devil sickness/ evil spirit. According to healer’s expression, many people in
the study areas were sick and died by evil spirit. They have cured from the diseases by following
two methods. The first way to get cured is praying to God and the second one is using medicinal
plants. As their doctrine different religion followers pray to God in different ways to make
patients psychologically free. According to Protestant religion followers, disease was ceased out
by the name of Jesus. They call the name of Jesus many times and made a patient
psychologically free. Whereas, Orthodox religion followers used water and baptize a patient by
names of trinity and made them psychologically free. But others were being cured by using
TMP.

THs collect this plant from wild. Healers use R. chalopensis L to identify evil spirit. Patients start
sneezing when R. chalopensis L was smelled. Then the healer gives a V. amygdalina Del in two
ways. The first one is if a disease was not long lived a medicine would be given through nose.
During that time patient start sneezing up to 40 times and then become free. The second is the
root of the plant was crushed, mixed with milk and given orally and patient immediately started
vomiting. Traditionally, it’s believed that if a patient was victimized by evil spirit person and
lend (locally what they called it-when a victimized person was shifted) to other person, he/she
would vomit milk like fluid and those who weren’t lent vomit black like fluid and became free.
Healers believed that TM was not given to a person who had evil spirit. They think that
medicinal value of a plant was missing when an evil spirit person used. To identify people who
had evil spirit, healers used the following mechanisms. Shoot of V. amygdalina was crushed and
mixed with water, filed in the beaker and stand in front of the room. When an evil spirited person
enters to the home, the water in the beaker fall and the healer easily identified.

43
4.8.4 Ruta chalepensis
Ruta chalepensis belongs to the family Rutaceae. Locally people use this plant for different
human ailments. The Wolaita name of this plant is “Xaallottiiyaa”. This plant healing function
was known in both local and urban area. It is cultivated as home garden plant. The most
frequently/ dominantly used part are leaf and stem. It can be found in the market being sold and
purchased entirely for purposes of medicinal applications. When it is added on coffee it gives a
good taste and stimulates the users. In addition, it is used to separate /identify a person who
victimized by evil sprite. When a victimized people smell “Xaallottiiyaa” he/she start sneezing
and locally a person said to be victimized by evil sprite. Also people in the study area use this
plant to treat a diseases like, stomachache, chill and abdominal pain.

4.9 Medicinal plants used for livestock in the study area

In the study Woreda totally 40,716 animals were listed. Of these 1, 570 animals were listed in the
selected three Kebeles. From 51 identified MPS, 6 plant species were taken to treat animal
diseases. The common animal diseases in the study areas include anthrax/xilikkiya, ringworms
and skin disease and abdominal cramps were listed as diseases that were treated by THs. Anthrax
was a frequently occurring disease in the study area. The MPS include: Phyllanthus machosolen,
Satyrium aethiopicum, Ehretia cymosa, Datura stramonium (LINN), Pycnostachys abyssinica
(Forssk) and Echinops kebricho. Except, Echinops kebricho all these plants were collected from
the wild. Nine plant species were used both for animal and human ailments. The use of MP to
treat human diseases in the study areas was more than livestock. This indicated that local
societies of the study area seek TM for his/ her ailments first and then try to search for his
livestock similar report in Abbiw (1996). Some informants said that they use modern medicine
from veterinary clinics than gathering medicinal plants from the wild.

Before the introduction of modern veterinary practice, THs were usually the only people
approached to attend to the livestock diseases. Common healer’s practices in the study areas
include traditional surgery, midwives and prevention of infection. In Wolaita, midwifery replaces
the prolapsed uterus efficiently using traditional methods and some are able to correct transverse
presentation of the foetus during delivery in cows.

44
Branding or firing at various points of the body of the animal is also a common practice for
identification of animals and in the treatment of blackleg infection (Tafesse Mesfin, 2001).
According to Endalew Amenu (2007), thirty-four livestock diseases were found to be treated
with 27 plant species and 65preparations. Internal parasites and eye problem ranked first since
they are treated with five species of plants. Wound and diarrhea ranked 2nd (four species) and the
3rd rank constitute sudden sickness on his respective study.

Table4.9: Numbers of livestock in the study area.

Types of livestock Male Female Total Percent (%)

Cow and Ox 8319 4278 19597 48.1

Sheep 3261 2613 5874 14.4

Goats 1566 1695 3261 8

Hens 3294 14856 18150 44.6

Horses 66 90 156 0.4

Mules 66 90 156 0.4

Donkey 270 252 522 11.1

Total 16842 23874 40716 100

Sources: Offa Woreda agricultural office (2007)

45
CHAPTER FIVE: Conclusions and Recommendations
5.1 Conclusions
The ethnobotanical study of MP in Offa Woreda showed that people used plants to treat human
and Livestock ailments. The plant parts used to treat human and animal ailments were leaf, fruit,
seed coverage, root, stem and barks. Leaves were the dominant parts used in the study areas and
roots were followed. As showed in this study the human disease treated by traditional medicinal
plants were snake bite, stomach ache, common cold, influenza, pneumonia, chill, evil spirit, evil
eye and abdominal pain. Out of 51 listed medicinal plants species belonging to 31 families were
used by human. The family Asteraceae contributes five species; Fabaceae is the following
containing 4(11.4%). Solanaceae and Euphorbaceae contribute three species. The common
animal diseases identified in the study area are anthrax, ringworms, skin diseases and abdominal
crump. Six species of medicinal plants were used to treat animal diseases in the study areas and
nine traditional medicinal plant species was used both livestock and human ailments in the
common.

Out of 51 medicinal plant species, 27(52.9%) were collected from wild, 21(41.2%) were
cultivated and 3(5.9%) from both. As showed in this study the current conservational status of
medicinal plants were very low. The main reason for the conservational problem was
deforestation, agricultural activities, firewood and charcoal. To overcome these problems
traditional healers have turned towards home gardens. Previously, home gardens were employed
for growing vegetables. Now-a day, traditional healers cultivate scarce and more valuable
medicinal plants around their homes instead of going long distances to collect medicinal plants.

As showed in this study there were many factors that can affect the consumption rate of
medicinal plants in the study area. The main ones are age of participants, educational level, and
monthly income. The indigenous knowledge was concentrated within a certain families. To solve
this problem the knowledgeable healers and key persons exchange/share their ethnobotanical
knowledge to unrelated families without payment.

46
 5.2 Recommendations
Based on the research result, the following recommendations are forwarded.

 Motivating/encouraging the people to grow medicinal plants in home garden is better than going
and gathering medicinal plants from wild. Some species of documented medicinal plants in the
study area is easy to cultivate.

 Sustainable use of medicinal plant was expected from all stakeholders.

 As showed in this study the plant part used as medicine were leaf, fruits, seed coverage, root,
stem and bark. Traditional healers dig out the roots and detach the leaves for medicinal purpose.
The participation of the local people and awareness creation through training or education on
sustainable utilization and management of plant resources should be encouraged.

 Establishing Traditional Healers Associations by providing supports like land, fund and
assistances for cultivations of medicinal plants in the Wereda would helps to conserve medicinal
plants.

 The Wereda administration must involve in awareness creations on traditional healers to transfer
their knowledge to the next generation without secrecy.

47
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Appendices
Appendix: 1Semi structured interview for households and healers of Offa Woreda to
collect ethnobotanical data
Thank you for your cooperation.

General direction:

1. No need to write your name.

2. Please, put only “√” mark in the place provided.

3. for questions that need your opinion or comment, please give short and precise answer

In the space provided.

Part I: Households background information.

1. Sex: - A. Male B. Female

2. Religion _____________________

3. Age__________________________

4. Family size ________________________

5. Level of education ____________________________________________________

6. The average monthly income (Ethiopian birr). ______________________________

7. Do you think agro-climate affects the distribution of TMP? A. Yes B. No

8. Do you have a farm land? A. Yes B. No

9. Have you ever used traditional medicinal plant? A. Yes B. No

56
10. If your response for question No 9 is yes, how many times do you use per month?
__________________________________________________________________
11. How do you differentiate traditional medicinal plants from others?
__________________________________________________________________
Part II: -Checklist of Questions or Items used as a Basis for Discussion and Interview
12. How do you classify medicinal plants in your area based on:-
a) Agro-ecology_______________
b) vegetation _______________
c) Soil types ___________________
13. Do you think age, educational level and month income affects the consumption rate of
traditional medicinal plant ? How?____________________________________________
14. How many years did you spend in your profession? __________________________
15. How did you get this profession? __________________________________________
16. For which types of disease did you give traditional medicinal plants? _____________

The following table was prepared to identify traditional medicinal plants for human/animal
ailments in the study area.

Local(Wolaita name) Disease Plant parts Habitat/ Mode of Dosage/

of TMP treated used location preparation amount

TMP=Traditional medicinal plants

Traditional medicinal plants for livestock in study area
Local(Wolaita name) Disease Plant parts Habitat/ Mode of Dosage/
of TMP treated used location preparation amount

57
17. How many people use traditional medicinal plants per a day? ___________________

18. How do you use a traditional medicinal plant? _______________________________

19. Where did you collect traditional medicinal plants? ___________________________

20. How do you preserve a traditional medicinal plant? ___________________________

21. How do you give a traditional medicinal plant to patients? ______________________

22. What problems had you faced to obtain traditional medicinal plants? ______________

23. Have you ever observed any change in your economy due to your profession? A. Yes B. No

24. If your response for question No23 is yes, what change have you observed? ______________

25. How far traditional medicinal plant species from your home? (Km)____________________

26. How was the society view on the traditional medicinal plants in you Kebele? ____________

27. Is there any practice that obstacle to obtain traditional medicinal plants in you Kebele?

A. Yes B. No

28. If your response for Q No25 is yes, what was the cause for los of TMPS in you

Kebele? _______________________

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Appendix: 2 Lists of key informants

Educatio
No Name of key informants

level/gra

Marital

Kebele
status
Age
Sex

nal

de
1 Dimo Shibiru M 45 5 Double Mancha

2 Belete Babanto M 54 12 Double Mancha

3 Wandale Chakiso F 35 8 Double Mancha

4 Balcha Tantu M 58 7 Double Yakima

5 Ukume Toma F 46 3 Double Yakima

6 Ayza Lachore M 65 10 Double Yakima

7 Adema Alaro M 60 5 Double Gelako

8 Dawit Daniel M 45 9 Double Gelako

9 Amsalech Tera F 39 10 Double Gelako

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Appendix: 3 Medicinal plants of the study areas

Scientific Name Family Local/Wolaita Habit Source Parts used

name

Artemisia absinthium (LINN.) Asteraceae Naatiraa Herbs Cultivated All parts

Albizia schimperiana Oliv Fabaceae Alga Tree Wild root

Allium sativum L. Alliaceae Tuummuwaa Herbs cultivated All parts

Croton macrostadyus Euphorbiaceae Ankkaa Tree Wild leaf

Cyperus articulatus L. Cypraceae Bidaariyaa Herbs wild root

Lannea fruticosa (Hochst) Anacardiaceae Dachchi- Tree wild root

maracciya

Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Myrtaceae Bootta zaafiya Tree both Leaf &
seed

Cynodon spp. Poaceae Suraa Runner wild shoot

Euphorbia indica Lam. Euphorbiaceae Shatto-maataa Herb wild leaf

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Apiaceae Shillariyaa Shrubs cultivated leaf

Laggera pterodonta (DC.) Sch. Asteraceae Geleshsho Shrubs Wild leaf

tambbuwa

Lippia adoensis var. Verbenaceae Kosorootiyaa Shrubs S-Culti leaf

Moringa stenopetala Back.f.Cuf Moringaceae Halakkuwa Tree cultivated leaf

Phyllanthus machosolen Euphorbiaceae Bawiyaa Ephpyt wild root

Satyrium aethiopicum Summerh Orchidaceae Eceere Herb Wild root

hayyttaa

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Ehretia cymosa Thonn. Boraginaceae Itiriwanjjiyaa Tree Wild leaf

Datura stramonium (LINN.) Solanaceae Laflafuwaa Shrubs wild leaf

Vernonia amygdalina Delile Asteraceae Garaa Tree wild root

Alysicarpus ferrugineus Fabaceae Wareechiya Climber Wild root

Carex steudneri Cyperaceae Shoosha- Herbs wild Fruit

maatta

Chamaecrista mimosoides Fabaceae Deesha Shrubs wild All parts

Halakkuwa

Ruta chalepensis Rutaceae Xaallottiiyaa Shrubs cultivated Fruit

&leaf

Clerodendrum myricoides Lamiaceae Alga Shrubs wild leaf

(Hochst.)

Terminalia schinperiana Combreataceae Ambbiya Tree wild Bark

Echinops kebricho Asteraceae Boorisaa Shrubs wild root

Solanum macrocarpsm Solanaceae Bulo Santtaa Herb cultivated shoot

Pycnostachys abyssinica Lamiaceae Olomuwa Shrubs wild Leaf

(Fresen).

Pterolobium stellatum (Forssk.) Fabaceae Aainna Shrubs Cultivated root

Artemisia afra (Jacq. Ex. Willd) Asteraceae Aguppiyaa Herbs cultivated Leaf

Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill. Solanaceae Shurushuxxiy Herb wild Leaf

aa

Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Paappayaa Shrubs cultivated Fruit

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Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk.ex Celastraceae Jimma Shrubs Both Leaf
Endl.

Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Rutaceae Loomiya Tree cultivated Fruit

Ensete ventricosum(Welw) Musaceae Uuttaa Shrubs Cultivated Root

Lepidium sativum L. Brassicaceae Sibbikka Herb Cultivated fruit

Persea americana Mill. var. Lauraceae Abokkaduwaa Tree cultivated fruit

Rhamnus prinoides L'Hérit. Rhamneceae Geeshuwaa Shrubs wild leaf

Spilanthes mauritiana DC. Asteraceae Aydamiia Herb wild fruit

Syzygium ghineese Myrtaceae Ochaa Tree wild fruit

Sida rhombifolia L. Movaceae Daanddireetaa Herb wild both

Sida schimperiana Hochst. Malraceae kinndichuwaa Shrubs cultivated leaf

Zingiber officinale Roscoe Zingiberaceae Yeenjeeluwaa Herb cultevated root

Lycopersicon esculentum var. Solanaceae Timattimmiya Herb cultivated fruit

a

Peunus persica (L). Rosaceae kookkiya Herb wild fruit

Nicotiana tabacum L. Solonaceae Tambbuwa Herb cultivated leaf

Brassica oleracea L. Brassicaceae Danqqala Herb cultivated leaf

Santtaa

Musa x paradisiacal L. Musaceae Muuziya Shrubs cultivated fruit

Linm usitatissimum L. Linaceae Talbbaa Shrubs wild fruit

Allium cepaL. Alliaceae Shunkkuruutu Herb cultivated Leaf &

wa root

62
Euphorbia abyssinica var. Euphorbiaceae Akirssaa Tree wild latex

Hordeum vulgare L. Peaceae Banggaa Herb cultivated fruit

Appendix 4 medicinal plants used for livestock aliments in the study areas.

Medicinal plant Local/Wolaita name Mode of preparation

Phyllanthus machosolen Bawiya Crushed and mixed with water and

applied.

Satyrium aethiopicum Eceere hayttaa Crushed and mixed with lemon and
taken orally

Ehretia cymosa Itiriwanjjiya Crushed and tied on the infected

parts.

Datura stramonium Lafaalafuuwa Crushed and mixed with water and

applied on the skin.

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57