Ethnoveterinary knowledge in pastoral Karamoja, Uganda

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The people of Karamoja of northern Uganda chiefly rely on ethnoveterinary knowledge (EVK) to control common livestock health problems. In spite of cattle’s central role in Karamojong culture and livelihoods, there has been no systematic recording of their ethnoveterinary plant-based cures to date. Aim of study: To document the remedies used to treat livestock diseases, their preparation and administration. Methods: Datawere collected using semi-structured interviews, guided questionnaires, group discussions, direct observations and collection trips. Results: We present information on 209 plant species and 18 non-plant materials. Plant species are distributed over 116 genera and 54 families. The most common medicinal use was treatment against anaplasmosis. Balanites aegyptiacus, Carissa spinarum, Warburgia salutaris and Harrisonia abyssinica had themost uses of all species. All different plant partswere used; bark and underground partswere exploited more frequently than other plant parts. Most remedies listed used a single ingredient, typically soaked in water; only 12.8% remedies used multiple plants. The route of administrationwas primarily oral followed by topical applications. Almost all plants are collected from the wild; none of the few cultivated plants used had been planted for medicinal purposes. Conclusions: The pastoralists in the study site possess a wealth of EVK which they use to maintain animal health. Their rich knowledge and high diversity of plants were recorded here for the first time.