Indigenous plant uses and use values in Uluguru mountains, Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

To assess plant uses and use values in Uluguru Mountains a study was carried out using household surveys and interviews on various uses of the plants. Descriptive statistics and use-value analysis techniques were used in data analysis. Of the plant species identified, 92% were used for fuel wood and 83% were used for construction materials. A significant difference in use values among the species was realized (Χ2 = 7.815, Hc =16.585, p<0.05). Newtonia buchananii had the highest use value of 2.81 where as Piper nigrum had the lowest use value of 0.08. Villagers know which tree species are best for building poles or good as fuel wood, which wild fruits are edible and which are good for medicine. This knowledge is an important ingredient in the going on effort to reverse the trend of environmental degradation in the area.

Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 95 (2) 2006: pp. 235-240