The contribution of herbal medicine to the welfare of local communities: a case study of Babati district, Arusha, Tanzania
Otieno, J|Kajembe, G.C|Malimbwi, R.E|Nduwamungi, J. / 2001

Most local people in developing countries depend largely on medicinal plants to treat common diseases compared to modern medical services. To assess the contribution of medicinal plants to the welfare of local communities surrounding Duru Haitemba in Babati district, we carries out a study using PRA and household survey in forth five randomly selected households. It was found that local people use medicinal plants directly to cure common diseases, and indirectly as symbols to settle psychological and moral sickness. In both cases, it was found out that roots were the dominant plant part used. The frequency with which the various parts of the plant are used for medicine ranges from 37% for roots, 31% for leaves, 20% for barks, ,5% for exudates, 5% for fruits, an 1% for flowers, spines and wood. The excessive use of roots for medication may threaten the ecosystem since plants are often destroyed completely. The study found that seven species are treated and /or are very rare in this woodland as a result of over-exploitation fro-medicinal uses. These include Achyrantles aspera, Zanthozylum chalybewn, Euphorbia tirucadli, Commiphora Africana, Cordia Africana, Mimosa pudica and Terminalia sericea