Diversity, Community Knowledge, Attitude, Perceptions, and Challenges Facing Medicinal Plants in Masingini Forest Reserve, Zanzibar, Tanzania

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 12 Issue 5

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Khadija Khamis Abddul-Hamid, Haji Makame Khamis, Yussuf Abdulrahim Yussuf, Ali Rashid Rabia

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V12I5P102

How to Cite?

Khadija Khamis Abddul-Hamid, Haji Makame Khamis, Yussuf Abdulrahim Yussuf, Ali Rashid Rabia, "Diversity, Community Knowledge, Attitude, Perceptions, and Challenges Facing Medicinal Plants in Masingini Forest Reserve, Zanzibar, Tanzania," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 12,  no. 5, pp. 7-14, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V12I5P102

Abstract:

Medicinal Plants (MPs)are widely recognized as valuable pharmaceutical sources for the treatment of various illnesses in developing nations. In most of Zanzibar's communities, the diversity of medicinal plants is decreasing due to excessive usage and insufficient environmental conservation efforts, which may result from inadequate knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding conservation issues. The study aimed to identify common medicinal plant species present at Masingini Forest Reserve, community knowledge, attitudes, perceptions concerning conservation, and challenges facing Medicinal Plants. The study was conducted at the Masingini forest reserve, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the surrounding villages. Using stratified random sampling techniques, 200 respondents were selected. The study used a cross-sectional design with Focus group discussions, a questionnaire, and observation as data collection methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 23, a computer program. The study discovered thirty-one (31) plant species commonly used for medicinal purposes. Additionally, the findings showed that most participants possessed substantial knowledge as well as positive attitudes and perceptions regarding medicinal herbs. Furthermore, the study also revealed several threats facing medicinal plants; the majority of respondents, 66(33%), said deforestation, 50(25 %), improper harvesting practices, 25(12.5%), sand mining, 12 (6%), soil erosion, and 47(23.5%) climate change. Furthermore, the study investigated the harvesting methods employed. It was found that the majority of participants, 84(42% ), stated that people employed the extraction of fruits, seeds, leaves, barks, and roots, followed by 77(38.5%) uprooting, and 39(19.5%) used to cut the top and branches. The results among harvesting methods were statistically significant (p<0.05) across the harvesting methods. The study recommends measures to promote the conservation of medicinal plants, such as replanting medicinal species, enforcing laws and policies to protect them, monitoring harvesting practices, and educating communities on the importance of preserving medicinal plants.

Keywords:

Medicinal plants, Conservation, Forest.

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