Assessment of traditional ecological knowledge and beliefs in the utilisation of important plant species: The case of Buhanga sacred forest, Rwanda

Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge is an integrated part of the African people and indeed the Rwandese for cultural purpose. Buhanga sacred forest is a relict forest of tremendous ecological importance to Rwandan society located in Musanze District. The aim of this study was to assess the traditional ecological knowledge and belief in the utilisation of some important plant species for the conservation of Buhanga sacred forest. Ecological information about ethnomedicinal and traditional practices were collected following structured questionnaire through interview involving eight traditional healers and three focus group discussions. Data were collected from the natural habitats, home gardens, farmlands and roadsides of Buhanga sacred forest. A total of 45 botanical taxa belonging to 28 families were reported to be used by the local community. Species such as Brillantaisia cicatricosa and Senna septemtrionalis were the popular species cited by traditional healers to treat human and animal diseases and ailments, respectively. The results of the study indicated that because of the cultural norms and values associated with the sacred forest, this has led to non-exploitation. The study presents key sites and plant species in which their use and belief can lead to their conservation. However, not only is it imperative to conserve traditional local knowledge for biocultural conservation motives but there is also need to train traditional healers on how to domesticate indigenous species as conservation measure because some species have become susceptible to extinction.Conservation implications: Highlighting indigenous species investigated in this research will provide a powerful tool for ensuring biodiversity conservation through community participation in a country of high population density in Africa. Some plant species that provided satisfactory Local Health Traditions among communities surrounding Buhanga can contribute as good material for further research in Rwanda.

Ecological Knowledge of indigenous plants among the Marakwet Community (Embobut Basin), Elgeyo Marakwet County (Kenya)

“…Thus, it appears that the local community members either lacked IEK or simply lost the knowledge that they acquired from the parents and grandparents. The use of IEK has been used to assess the knowledge and beliefs in the utilization of important plant species (Irakiza et al, 2016). The loss of IEK among local community members is now regarded as one of the threats in conservation of indigenous plant species (Gómez-Baggethun et al, 2013;Gómez-Baggethun et al, 2012;Reyes-García et al, 2014;Tang and Gavin, 2016;Aswani et al, 2018).…”

“…The IEK has been used to assess knowledge and beliefs in the utilization of important plant species (Irakiza et al, 2016). Among the 48 species identified, the elders were able to identify 30 use groups.…”

“…However, changes in cultural norms, practices, westernization and globalization, particularly in Africa (Reese et al, 2019), have led to the negation of IEK on plant species use and management in ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable management of plant resource. Although IEK beliefs have been applied in understanding the utilization and conservation of plant species (Irakiza et al, 2016;Kariuki et al, 2018;Sanoussi et al, 2015), it still precludes vast areas with rich plant biodiversity. In Kenya, attempts have been made to recognize the importance of IEK in understanding the indigenous plant species among various stakeholders (Shiracko et al, 2016;Tian, 2017).…”

Indigenous Knowledge and Vocational Education: Marginalisation of Traditional Medicinal Treatments in Rwandan TVET Animal Health Courses

“…More than 600 Rwandan Indigenous plant species are used as herbs in cosmetics, agriculture, food and beverage production, traditional medicine, and construction (Rwanda Environment Management Authority, 2019). In the areas surrounding Buhanga Forest in the Northern Province-specifically in Bikara Cell, Nkotsi Sector, Musanze District-around 45 herbs belonging to 28 families have been identified as useful in Indigenous medicine (Runyambo et al, 2016). In Buhanga Forest, six plant species have been identified that are traditionally used in treating cattle diseases, while another three species have been identified as being used for the traditional treatment of both cattle and human diseases (Runyambo et al, 2016).…”

The Utilization and Conservation of Indigenous Wild Plant Resources in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…These practices includes among others, removal of few roots from plants, harvesting of a bark that is the size of the palm of one's hand, taboos and social controls promoting sustainable harvesting of plants [18]. Studies conducted in countries such as Kenya [19], Ghana [20], Lesotho [21], Zimbabwe [22], Nigeria [3], Tanzania [23], Uganda [24], Benin and Gabon [25], Rwanda [26], and Ethiopia [27] indicated that these practices are very common among the indigenous communities and have evolved through the historical interaction of people and their environment.…”