Medicinal plant use for goat disease and parasite control in Mhondoro Ngezi District

Abstract

Abstract The use of medicinal plants for parasite control in communal areas of Zimbabwe has increased considerably. A survey was conducted to collect data on plant species diversity and use for goat parasite and disease control in Mhondoro Ngezi district. Household demographics, general livestock production, common disease and parasite challenges and control methods were recorded using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 100 goat farmers. Key informant interviews were also conducted. Data were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics and plant species importance was measured using relative frequency of citation. A total of 42 plant species with medicinal properties were reported in this study. Respondents above the age of 51 had most of the knowledge and practises in medicinal plant use. Commonly used plants, by frequency of mention were Wing pod (Murumanyama) (47.6%), Caustic vine (Runyokadombo) (28.6%), Broad-leaved coral-tree (Mutiti) (28.6%), Sow thistle (Rimiremombe) (26.2%) and Aloe Vera (Gavakava) (23.8%). The most common preparation process involved crushing of the plant parts (leaves, barks, roots, bulb, fruit and or whole plants) and mixing with water. Most of the respondents (87%) used both conventional remedies and medicinal plants to control goat parasites with medicinal plant use as an alternative. Knowledge exists on medicinal plant use in goat disease and parasite control in Mhondoro Ngezi district, which is a major drive towards carrying-out further research across the country.