Title
Assessment of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used by Local
Communities in Tumiticha Kebele, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
1. Introduction & Background
Traditional medicinal plants have been widely used globally, especially in developing
countries where access to modern healthcare is limited.
80% of people worldwide rely on traditional medicine for primary healthcare needs (WHO,
2021).
In Ethiopia, traditional medicine is deeply rooted in culture and plays a vital role in rural
communities due to affordability, accessibility, and cultural beliefs.
The Gedeo Zone in southern Ethiopia is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse
ethnomedicinal practices.
Tumiticha Kebele is a unique community with strong ties to nature, relying heavily on local
flora for treating various ailments.
Threats such as deforestation, urbanization, and land-use changes are endangering the
availability of these medicinal plants.
3. Problem Statement
Despite widespread use, there is insufficient documentation and scientific validation of
traditional medicinal plants.
Much of the indigenous knowledge is passed orally and at risk of being lost.
Previous studies in the Gedeo Zone lack focus on specific kebeles like Tumiticha and often
omit quantitative data or socio-economic factors.
4. Objectives of the Study
General Objective: Assess traditional medicinal plants used by the community in
Tumiticha Kebele.
Specific Objectives:
To Document the types of medicinal plants used.
To identify health conditions treated using these plants.
To analyze socio-economic factors influencing their use.
5. Research Questions
1. What medicinal plants are used in Tumiticha Kebele?
2. Which health conditions are treated using these plants?
3. What socio-economic factors influence their use?
6. Significance of the Study
For Local Communities: Helps preserve indigenous knowledge and promote sustainable
use of plant resources.
For Science: Provides baseline data for future pharmacological research and potential drug
development.
For Policymakers: Supports integration of traditional medicine into national health
systems and informs conservation policies.
7. Scope & Limitations
Scope: Focuses exclusively on Tumiticha Kebele; includes ethnobotanical data through
interviews and field observations.
Limitations of the study:
Findings may not be generalizable to other regions.
No laboratory testing of plant properties due to resource constraints.
Reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias.
Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
3.2. Research Design
A mixed-methods approach was used:
Qualitative: To understand traditional knowledge and practices through interviews and
observations.
Quantitative: To collect measurable data on plant usage, ailments treated, and respondent
demographics.
3.3. Data Sources and Types
Primary sources: Questionnaires, interviews, and field observations from local
communities.
Secondary sources: Academic journals, books, reports, and local records.
Data types: Firsthand knowledge from locals and existing literature on medicinal plants.
3.4. Study Population
The total population of Tumiticha Kebele was 13,467, including individuals with knowledge or
experience using traditional medicinal plants, especially elders and traditional healers.
3.5. Sampling
Sample size: 40 respondents.
Sampling techniques :
Simple random sampling for general participants.
Purposive sampling to select knowledgeable individuals like healers and elders.
3.6. Data Collection Techniques
Questionnaires: A mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions.
Semi-structured interviews: Conducted with key informants to gather detailed insights.
3.7. Data Analysis
Qualitative data: Analyzed thematically to identify patterns and concepts.
Quantitative data: Analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages),
presented with tables and charts.
All data collected in Amharic was translated into English for consistency.
Chapter four
1. Demographics
50% of respondents were above 50 years → main knowledge holders.
60% male, 40% female.
Roles:
Elders & healers = 55%
General users = 30%
Herbal traders = 15%
50% learned about plants from family/ancestors → oral tradition is key.
25% use medicinal plants daily.
2. Medicinal Plants Used
Top plants:
Adenium obesum (Doringa) – 20%
Aloe vera – 20%
Lemongrass – 15%
Neem – 15%
Used for treating common and serious illnesses like stomachache, malaria, wounds, and fever.
3. Health Conditions Treated
Most common:
Stomachache – 20%
Malaria – 20%
Wound healing – 15%
Fever – 15%
Others included headache, skin infections, diarrhea, and cough.
4. Socio-Economic Factors
Main drivers:
Affordability – 20%
Cultural beliefs – 20%
Accessibility – 15%
Lack of modern healthcare – 15%
These factors strongly influence reliance on traditional medicine.
Chapter Five:
Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendations
5.1 Summary of Findings
Key Medicinal Plants Used :
Adenium obesum (Doringa) – 20%
Aloe vera – 20%
Neem (Azadirachta indica) – 15%
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – 15%
Health Conditions Treated :
Stomachache – 20%
Malaria – 20%
Wound healing – 15%
Fever – 15%
Main Socio-Economic Drivers :
Affordability – 20%
Cultural beliefs – 20%
Accessibility – 15%
Lack of modern healthcare – 15%
Major Challenges :
Deforestation, climate change, pollution → reduce plant availability
Declining interest among youth in learning traditional knowledge
Limited documentation and conservation efforts
Community Perspective :
Traditional medicine is valued for being affordable , accessible , and culturally
relevant
Seen as a primary healthcare solution in rural areas
5.2 Conclusion
Traditional medicinal plants are essential to the health and culture of Tumiticha Kebele.
Plants like Doringa and Aloe vera are most used, treating common and serious illnesses.
Affordability and cultural beliefs are the strongest reasons for continued use.
Despite environmental and generational threats, traditional medicine remains deeply
embedded in the community’s way of life.
There is an urgent need to conserve plant species , document knowledge , and support
practitioners .
5.3 Recommendations
1. Implement conservation programs to protect endangered medicinal plants.
2. Document traditional knowledge before it's lost due to urbanization and disinterest among
youth.
3. Organize awareness workshops in schools and communities to promote traditional
medicine.
4. Support traditional healers and herbal traders through institutional recognition and training.
5. Promote collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems to improve
access and quality of care.
