Ethno-botanical uses and trade characteristics of Garcinia kola in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to identify the various ethno-botanical uses to which seeds of Garcinia kola (bitter kola) are put in Imo State. The characteristics of the trade as practiced by peasant farmers cum traders was also studied. Questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect data from sixty traders, randomly selected across the three agricultural zones of the State. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data. Individual respondents enumerated various uses, from which a total of thirteen ailments were recorded. The trade characteristics examined included sex of traders, age, market types, caliber of traders, educational qualifications, mode of transportation and profit margin.

International Journal of Agricultural and Rural Development Vol. 5 2004: 140-144