Abstract:
Different tree species provide a wide range of local livelihood options,
including firewood, timber, and medicinal uses, among others.
Specifically, traditional medicine significantly contributes to primary
health care with a sizable number of people heavily depending on
traditional medicine, while many others have used medicinal plants at one
time or another. For instance, Warburgia ugandensis is mainly utilised for
its medicinal value in many rural areas. Furthermore, people living in rural
areas depend on the herbal medical system due to their firm beliefs and
limited access to allopathic medicine. Traditionally, indigenous plant
species are used to treat diseases that affect both humans and livestock.
Consequently, the wide use of medicinal plants such as Warburgia
ugandensis has increased commercial collection, unregulated trade, and
habitat loss, with the imminent danger of the plant species being
threatened. To further compound the problem, few or no medicinal plant
species are cultivated on farms. Therefore, the study aimed to analyse
traditional uses and examine ex-situ conservation measures of Warburgia
ugandensis around Katimok Forest Reserve in Baringo County, Kenya.
The primary data was collected using household survey questionnaires
and key informant interviews. The key informant interviews and
household surveys were done by randomly sampling 345 respondents.
One-way ANOVA and SPSS version 28.0.1 were used to analyse the data.
Tables, charts and a histogram were used to present data in frequencies
and percentages. All the statistics were considered at 95% confidence
levels. The results revealed a significant difference in existing ex-situ
conservation measures (F (2,9) =63.55, P-Value=4.92) and traditional
uses of Warburgia ugandensis in the study blocks around Katimok Forest
Reserve (F (3,12) = 109.66, P-Value=5.49). Medicinal use is the most
predominant among the other uses. Additionally, there are limited ex-situ
conservation measures for important plant species. Therefore, there is an
immediate need to promote the ex-situ conservation of invaluable
medicinal plant species to enhance the sustainability of traditional uses.
