Enhancing Conservation Efforts of Indigenous Plants for Medicinal Use: Integrating Traditional Wisdom and Ecological Sustainability for Resilience of Communities

Résumé

The preservation and sustainable management of Indigenous medicinal plant species are vital for maintaining ecological diversity and preventing the loss of threatened flora. In rural South Africa, these plants remain essential resources for smallholder farmers, who depend on them for primary healthcare and supplementary household income. However, increasing pressure from unsustainable harvesting practices, combined with limited awareness of conservation boundaries, poses risks to their long-term availability. Furthermore, the valuable Indigenous knowledge associated with these species is endangered, as it is predominantly shared orally and poorly documented. This study examines the socioeconomic and conservation implications of Indigenous medicinal plant utilisation among smallholder farmers in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. A survey was conducted with 150 smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire and multistage stratified sampling. Results indicate that women are the primary custodians of Indigenous medicinal plant production, with a mean age of 44 years and an average level of schooling of 10 years. Households cultivate approximately one hectare or less for subsistence and income generation, typically supporting five members. On-farm conservation and designated protected areas are the most common preservation practices; however, resource constraints limit broader conservation efforts. The study recommends gender-sensitive extension support and increased government investment in skills development to enhance sustainable utilisation and safeguard Indigenous knowledge.

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