Perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among animal healthcare practitioners in South Africa.

The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2 = 17.490, df = 3, p = 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders.Contribution: This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.

Ethnobotanical insights on the management of plant pests and diseases by smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Pests and diseases are a major contributor to yield losses in sub-Saharan Africa, prompting smallholder farmers to seek cost-effective, accessible and ecologically friendly alternatives for crop protection. This study explored the management of pests and diseases affecting crops across eight selected villages in Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. METHODS: A total of 120 smallholder farmers were purposefully selected utilising the snowball technique. Information on the management of plant pests and diseases was collected through interviews and focus group discussions using semi-structured interview schedules. Ethnobotanical indices, including relative frequency of citation (RFC), use-value (UV) and informant consensus factor (Fic), were used to quantify and rank the plants used for crop protection in the study area. RESULTS: Twenty-three plant species (16 naturalised exotics and seven indigenous plants) belonging to 16 families were used for managing pests (vertebrates and invertebrates) and diseases (fungal and bacterial related) affecting crops in the study area. The dominant (100%) crops cultivated by the participants were Allium cepa L., Mangifera indica L., Solanum lycopersicum L. and Zea mays L. The RFC value ranged from 0.08 to 0.83 and the three most popular plants for crop protection were Capsium annuum L. (0.83), A. cepa (0.63) and Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. (0.43). In terms of the UV, the five most promising plants used as biocontrol were Tulbaghia violacea (0.13), A. cepa (0.12), C. annuum L. (0.09), Solanum campylacanthum Hochst. Ex A.Rich.(0.09) and Pinus pinaster (0.08). Based on the Fic, four categories were established and dominated by fungal diseases (0.64). Furthermore, T. violacea and A. cepa were the most often mentioned plants used against fungal conditions. Other categories cited were bacterial diseases (0.3), invertebrate pests (0.11) and vertebrate pests (0.14), an indication that smallholder farmers had limited agreement or common knowledge about the plants used for their management. The preparation methods included maceration (38%), decoction (38%) and burning (24%). Foliar application (67%) and soil drenching (33%) were used for administering plant extracts during the management of crop pests and diseases. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of botanicals and associated indigenous knowledge among smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. It is pertinent to explore the valorisation of these botanicals by generating empirical data on their biological efficacies and phytochemical profiles.

African indigenous contraception: A review.

In Africa, indigenous methods of contraception continue to play a significant role in preventing unwanted pregnancies despite the introduction and popularity of modern contraceptives. The current review identified the common techniques and practices of African indigenous contraception, and examined their mechanisms and reasons for use. We searched data bases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCohost, African Journals, Science Direct, textbooks, thesis and dissertations for research articles on African indigenous contraception. The six common techniques of African indigenous contraception included periodic abstinence, withdrawal, breastfeeding, use of herbs, postpartum abstinence and waist bands, whilst practices relate to child (birth) spacing, postponement of first birth (virginity), stopping of reproduction and indigenous emergency contraception. Mother and infant health was stated as one of the reasons for using African indigenous contraception. African indigenous contraception continues to play a critical reproductive role in preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, there is lack of clarity regarding mechanisms, the safety, and efficacy of some techniques.

Nutrient availability and maize growth in a soil amended with earthworm casts from a South African indigenous species.

The study was undertaken to assess the availability to maize of nutrients from earthworm casts (wormcasts) collected from a grazing paddock in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Maize (cv PAN 473) was grown in pots filled with ground wormcasts, non-casted surrounding soil and a mixture of the two media. Fertiliser application increased growth and uptake of nutrients by maize grown on both wormcast and non-casted soil. Maize grown on wormcasts had significantly (p < 0.05) higher plant height, stem diameter, dry weight and showed higher nutrient uptake and lower fertiliser response than that grown on corresponding non-casted surface soil. The uptakes of plant nutrients, growth and dry matter yields were in the order fertiliser>wormcasts>non-casted soil. Mixing worm casts with non-casted soil improved maize growth and nutrient uptake over non-casted soil. It is concluded that wormcasts could be used as a soil amendment for crop production, especially in small-scale production systems.