Trend in Ethnoveterinary Practice by Urban Farmers in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

A survey on the utilization of ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) for health management of urban farms in South West, Nigeria was undertaken. The study attempted to determine the extent to which EVMs were being used by urban farmers in southwest, Nigeria, and explore the factors necessary for successful farmers' selected characteristics and their extent of use of EVM. The study was carried out at various farms in Oyo and Osun state, South West Nigeria. Primary data were generated through the use of questionnaire and descriptive research design to describe the characteristics of the subject under study for better understanding. The farmers interviewed were all educated with minimum qualification being Secondary School Certificate and 65% of the respondent had practiced EVM and peers are the major source of information (57%). Sixty percent of the farmers treated ectoparasites in live stock with EVM. The major challenge to the use was inadequate knowledge of the appropriate plants to use for treatment. It was inferred that farmers will be favorably disposed to the use of EVM if they have accurate knowledge of the herbs to use for different health challenges of their animals, if they are sure of the dosage and if it is readily available to them. Hence there is need for adequate research into EVM to scientifically establish the efficacy of medicinal plants, establish proper dosage and establish herbal gardens in the urban areas so as to standardized herbal products for veterinary healthcare .

Keywords: Ethnoveterinary, Urban, Farmers, South west