Characterisation of the indigenous knowledge used for gastrointestinal nematode control in smallholder farming areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background The use of indigenous knowledge (IK) to control gastrointestinal nematodes has been known since ancient times. The objective of the study was to characterise the use of indigenous knowledge to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from farmers. Chi-square was used to compute associations; the generalized linear model was used for mean rank scores. Results Roundworms were the most common gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) affecting goats reared in the bushland vegetation type than grasslands. Twelve plant species were commonly used to control GIN in goats, with Cissus quadrangularis Linn. singled out as the most widely used plant with a use-value of 0.97, followed by Albizia anthelminthica Brongn. (0.66), Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl (0.63), Vachellia xanthophloea (Benth.) P.J.H. Hurter (0.59), Aloe marlothii A. Berger (0.58), Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (0.54), Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey (0.53), Aloe maculata All. (0.50), Trichilia emetica Vahl (0.47), Aloe ferox Mill. (0.43), Vernonia neocorymbosa Hilliard (0.25) and Schkuhria pinnata (Lam) Kuntze ex Thell (0.16). C. rotundifolia, V. xanthophloea, S. birrea and T. emetica were dominant plant species used to control GIN in goats reared in the grassland vegetation. A. maculata, A. ferox and V. neocorymbosa were dominant in the bushland vegetation type. Conclusion The study revealed that ethnoveterinary plants are widely used in grassland and bushland vegetation types to control GIN in goats. Scientific validation of their efficacy and safety should be carried out to provide a cheaper alternative, thus improving the community livelihoods and development.

Ethnoveterinary Study of Plant‐Based Remedies for Treating Diseases in Small Ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique

“…Among these plants, Cissus quadrangularis had the highest FL of 1 for the treatment of wounds. Te plant has been recognized for its medicinal properties in various traditional systems of medicine of the African continent [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Its use in wound healing can be attributed to its reported anti-infammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties.…”

Management factors associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle: A case study of small-scale farms of the Nyamagana District in Mwanza, Tanzania

“…The likelihood of parasite infestation was lower among farmers who were native to the district than among non-native ones (Figure 3a). Local communities often have traditional practises for controlling diseases and parasites in cattle that have been acquired through experience and passed down through generations (Ndlela et al, 2022). Indigenous knowledge varies among different cultures and regions; thus, non-native farmers may lack information specific to the area.…”

“…Indigenous knowledge varies among different cultures and regions; thus, non-native farmers may lack information specific to the area. These practises may involve the use of locally available medicinal plants or other natural remedies (Ndlela et al, 2022;Sanhokwe et al, 2016). Local knowledge on grazing management includes the seasonality of parasites and awareness of areas that harbour parasites in the communal grazing land (Nzalawahe et al, 2014).…”