Abundance, distribution patterns, ethnobotany and economic value of ximenia afra song in communities surrounding Dzalanyama forest reserve, Malawi.

Abstract

Ximenia afra is an underutilized but seemingly vulnerable plant species that has received little attention despite its potential in areas of traditional medicine, the exploration of new drugs, commercial value and food sustainability. Ethnobotanical knowledge related Ximenia afra is at risk of being lost due absence of systematic documentation. This study aimed to assess the abundance, distribution patterns, ethnobotany and economic value of X. afra in communities surrounding Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. The data on abundance and distribution was collected through forest inventory, where stratified random sampling was used to set 40 plots. Purposive sampling was used to select 14 villages and 171 participants including 22 Key informants. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as plant part value (PPV) and fidelity levels (FLs) were applied. The study used the Contingent Valuation Method to assess the economic value of Ximenia afra. The results revealed low relative abundance (3.6%) and a clumped distribution pattern of Ximenia afra in the reserve. In the study area Ximenia afra is mainly used as a food source and as medicine to treat about 26 human and livestock ailments, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), impotence, infertility and wounds. Study also discovered some indigenous beliefs and rituals associated with the plant demonstrating cultural and spiritual significance of species. X. afra hold economic value that contributes to the household economy through its products. There need to domestication the species to reduces pressure on wild populations, ensuring their continued availability in the forest. There is also a need to intensify research on Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Malawi to prevent the complete loss of this knowledge and thus help conserve biodiversity associated with such knowledge. The government should support small-scale processing of wild plant products to create income opportunities for communities to support their livelihood.