Harvesting knowledge of herbal resources and development of practitioners in Nigeria

Abstract

Educating healers of the indigenous health care category has long been mixed with confusing options in the collaborative processes and strategies. This article examines the mobilization of healers in Nigeria with educational package of a university which contrasts the originality and professionalism of indigenous knowledge and competency. It argues that helping healers to come to terms with scientific jargons may be good, but fashioning them in the way of western system of plant science and pharmacopeia that is unaligned with their cultural root will endanger them rather than produce results. The paper suggests that caution is necessary and calls for a positive bridge between sources of empowerment in a way that would assist the practitioners in their endogenous expert roles.

Keywords: Herbal resources, healers, health care, Nigeria-centrism.

Indilinga Vol. 5 (1) 2006: pp. 32-50