Conserving Traditional Medicinal Plants Amidst Deforestation: Insights from Fakai, Nigeria

Abstract

Deforestation and vegetation loss can trigger various environmental issues, including climate change, desertification, soil erosion, reduced crop yields, loss of vegetation cover, flooding, and other related problems. The study was conducted to examine the impact of deforestation on traditional medicinal plants in the Fakai local government area of Kebbi state. Two out of four districts in Fakai were chosen for their relevance to the study. Data was gathered through questionnaires and in-depth interviews and subsequently analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and charts. The research findings showed that diverse plant species and their parts have been used to treat various ailments since time immaterial. Additionally, it was discovered that deforestation poses a significant threat to plants, particularly traditional medicinal plants in treating multiple diseases. This threat stems from the community's ongoing tree felling for commercial wood fuel harvesting, charcoal production, and bush burning to expand agricultural lands. The study also revealed that measures to curb deforestation were either non-existent or ineffective. The research concluded that while most of the studied community relies on traditional plants for treating health-related issues, human activities are detrimental to this practice, and there is a lack of stringent measures to address deforestation. The study recommends implementing community-based conservation efforts and promoting alternative energy sources to curb deforestation. Other interventions may include seedlings provision, poverty eradication, and legal action against illegal logging to ensure the sustainable use of medicinal plants.