UTILIZATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR TREATMENT OF SELECTED IL LNESSES AMONG CROP FARMERS IN EDO AND ONDO STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the utilization of medicinal plants for the treatment of selected illnesses among crop farmers in Edo and Ondo States, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the socio- economic characteristics of crop farmers, the illnesses experienced, method of treatment, factors influencing the preference of treatment methods, effect of illnesses on agricultural production, constraints and respondents’ attitude towards utilization of medicinal plants. A multi stage sampling technique Procedure was used to sample 180 respondents with the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics tools used included frequency distribution, mean, charts. Inferential statistics used were Ordinary Least Square Regression Analysis which was used to test Objective IV while Independent Sample t-test was used to test hypothesis II and III. The findings revealed that males respondent (75.6%,) in Edo, (77.8% ) in Ondo dominated crop farming , majority (92.2%) (93.3%) had formal education, married (80.0 %, 95.6%), mean household size (4). Cassava, Maize, Yams, Plantain, Vegetables, Oil palm were the main crops grown in large quantities in both States. The respondents (72.2%), (91.1%) had household member that was sick in the last cropping season, cost of treatment was N10,000.00 and less for orthodox and traditional medicines with a mean level of income of N270,924.4. Common illness showed that Malaria was the most treated in both states Ordinary Least Square Regression Analysis showed that age, farm size, level of education , household size, years of farming, level of income, cost of treatment were statistically significant to utilization of medicinal plants Results of Independent Sample t-test showed a significant difference (t=16.725, p=0.000, t= 15.0, p=0.000) in cost of treatment, income and utilization of medicinal plants in both States. The study recommends formal documentation and registration of herbal medicine practitioners to avoid quackery, also treatment should be administered according to evidences presented from a professional orthodox medicine practitioners as it is the practice in some developed nations.