The cation status of some indigenous plants from a Cango valley limestone-sandstone transition, South Africa

1987 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Raitt ◽  
R. O. Moffett
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Cation Status

scholarly journals Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Inclusion of Indigenous Plants for Food Security among Rural Households in the North West Province of South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 9562
Author(s):  
Abiodun Olusola Omotayo ◽  
Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food System ◽  
Rural Households ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
North West Province

Underutilised indigenous plants can support and strengthen the existing food system, as they are considered as socio-economically and environmentally appropriate. These plants generally adapt to marginal conditions, which is essential for a resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems. The current study relied on food security and indigenous plants data collected from some selected rural households from the North West Province of South Africa. The utilised data were collected through a multi-stage sampling technique with the aid of a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, while descriptive methods Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The models produced a good fit for the data, and the computed F-value was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The study examined socio-economic and food security status based on the knowledge and the perception of indigenous plants by the households. The incidence of food insecurity (θ0) was 0.4060, indicating that 40.6% of the participants were food insecure while 59.4% were food secured. Binary logistic regression results indicate that factors such as age, gender, educational attainment, inclusion of indigenous plants in diet, food expenditure, and access in the study area impacted results. It was also evident that the participants had considerable knowledge of indigenous plants. However, these indigenous plants were not cultivated or included in the diet by the majority of the participants. The formulation of appropriate holistic policies that support the incorporation of the indigenous plants into the food system is recommended.

scholarly journals An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by traditional healers for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1746-53
Author(s):  
Idris O Raimi ◽  
Boikanyo G Kopaopa ◽  
Liziwe L Mugivhisa ◽  
Francis B Lewu ◽  
Stephen O Amoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Ethnobotanical Survey ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Citation Frequency ◽  
Traditional Practitioners

Background: Knowledge of medicinal plants used by the traditional healers are mostly confined among the locals and the adherents, hence, proper enquiry and documentation can help the ever dynamic scientific world to find permanent cure to the menace of such deadly diseases such as cancer. This study aimed at (1) specifically recording medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of cancer in Hammanskraal and Winterveld, South Africa, and (2) documenting the different methods of preparation and administration of those medicinal plants as recorded during the study. Method: An open-ended semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 90 willing traditional healers in Hammanskraal and Winterveld area, Tshwane Municipality, South Africa to document plants used for cancer treatments. The study was conducted over a period of six months (July – December, 2018). Descriptive statistics was used to present the obtained data. Results: The study recorded twenty-eight plant species belonging to 18 families for the treatment of different types of cancer. Plant species in the Fabaceae family particularly Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt and J.C. Manning, Senna italica Mill and Trifolium pratense L. were the most prominently mentioned (highest citation frequency) by the traditional healers for lung, and skin cancer treatment. Based on the citation frequency, the most treated cancer by the traditional healers is in the order: skin cancer > lung cancer > breast cancer > prostate cancer > cervical cancer. The method of preparation included decoction(32.3%), infusion (29%), paste (16.1%) and maceration (22.6%). Conclusion: In addition to the documentation of indigenous knowledge related to the use of medicinal plants in the traditional management of cancer in South Africa, this study opens a vista for investigations into the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the documented plants. Keywords: Cancer; Indigenous plants; Medicinal plants; South Africa; Traditional practitioners.

scholarly journals Determinants of Household Income and Willingness to Pay for Indigenous Plants in North West Province, South Africa: A Two-Stage Heckman Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5458
Author(s):  
Abiodun Olusola Omotayo ◽  
Peter Tshepiso Ndhlovu ◽  
Seleke Christopher Tshwene ◽  
Kehinde Oluseyi Olagunju ◽  
Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Food System ◽  
Rural Households ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Heckman Model ◽  
North West ◽  
North West Province

Using a cross-sectional dataset, this study examines the factors influencing the income and willingness to pay for indigenous plants by rural households in the North West Province of South Africa. The method of data analysis was based on a two-stage Heckman model. Based on empirical data, the majority (93%) of the households are willing to pay for the indigenous plants. Furthermore, factors such as the age of the household’s head, marital status, size of households, financial returns and economic benefit of indigenous plants significantly influenced income and willingness to pay for indigenous plants by the households. Thus, indigenous plants have the potential to penetrate local and international markets and can be used to improve the economies, livelihood, and food security status of rural households in South Africa. Indigenous plant cultivation can increase agro-food system species diversity while conserving plant species indigenous to this area of South Africa. Encouraging both consumption and production of indigenous plants can also help diversify local economies and communities.

scholarly journals Fungi and invasions in South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R. Wood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Status Report ◽  
Fish Pathogen ◽  
Terrestrial Plants ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Almost All ◽  
National Environmental

Background: Fungi are a major component of the functioning of all terrestrial ecosystems. Objectives: To increase awareness of fungi as drivers of ecosystem processes, including invasion biology. Method: Here, I reviewed the information available regarding fungal invasions of native ecosystems in South Africa in the context of the National Status Report on Biological Invasions. Results: Only seven fungal species are regulated as invaders (all category 1b) under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) AIS regulations. Four of these species are not yet known to occur in South Africa. Similarly, under the NEM:BA AIS regulations, two of the four species listed as prohibited (i.e. not present in the country but which would pose a threat if introduced) are already present in the country. The actual number of alien fungi in South Africa is much greater. A preliminary listing of alien fungal species is made, with a total of 9 pathogenic species known to attack indigenous plants, 11 saprotrophic species, 1 fish pathogen, 23 host-specific pathogens of listed alien terrestrial plants, 61 ectomycorrhizal species and 7 host-specific pathogens deliberately introduced as biological control agents. The majority of fungal species were introduced to South Africa most likely via the introduction of crop plants as passengers, although there are as yet very little details available on pathways of introduction into South Africa. Conclusion: For almost all aspects considered, it is concluded that there is simply not sufficient data to begin to understand the role and impact of fungal invasions in South Africa.

scholarly journals Cultivation of Medicinal Plants by Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Constraints to Commercialization

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Nwafor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rural Poverty ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Indigenous Plants

South Africa has an abundant heritage of valuable indigenous plants with recognized medicinal value. The reported critical over-harvesting of wild populations is considered an urgent issue for biodiversity conservation. Growing demand for therapeutic products from indigenous medicinal plants have led to increased interest in its cultivation. Cultivation of these indigenous medicinal plants represent a viable option for improving smallholder farmers&rsquo; livelihoods, as well as sustaining the availability of these resources for future generations. Serious bottlenecks however exists for subsistent farmers in the cultivation of these valuable plants. It was pertinent to probe whether the cultivation of medicinal plants provide feasible solutions to rural poverty, while effectively conserving threatened indigenous biodiversity. The paper employed a comprehensive review of existing literature to explore relevant issues constraining smallholder farmers from involvement in a potentially lucrative medicinal plants value-chain. Findings indicate challenges such as inadequate domestication of valuable plants species, continued over-harvesting from wild populations, poor knowledge of required agronomic practices, low efficacy perception regarding derivatives from cultivated plants, among a multitude of others. These constraints exists alongside the conservation-oriented strategy driven by international conservation agencies and wholly adopted by the South African government. Recommendations to improve smallholder involvement in the cultivation of medicinal plants include support to research and extension, targeted inducement to smallholders, contracting and off-take agreements, aimed at promoting an alternative poverty-alleviation-focused economic development strategy. The review adds to the conceptual discourse related to plant diversity, resource conservation, poverty alleviation and economic development within the medicinal plants value-chain.

scholarly journals The ecological and economic consequences of changing land use in the southern Drakensberg grasslands, South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
JK Turpie ◽  
T O'Connor ◽  
A Mills ◽  
H Robertson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Spreadsheet Model ◽  
Direct Use

The grassland biome of the southern Drakensberg region of South Africa is characterized by a relatively rich floral biodiversity, including a high level of endemics.  Land use in the area was traditionally dominated by livestock ranching based mainly on indigenous grassland that conserved biodiversity to some degree.  Currently however, market demands and risk factors are shifting land use in the area to a matrix of beef, cropping, dairy and particularly, towards plantation forestry.  A spreadsheet model was constructed to understand how expected land use conversion will likely influence the biodiversity, and consequently, the total economic value (TEV) of the area.  Six scenarios of increasing dairy and forestry intensification were modelled that incorporated biophysical and legal constraints to development.  Results indicate that enhanced development is likely to have significant negative biodiversity impacts including the reduction of the alpha diversity of the indigenous plants in the region, a diminished local invertebrate diversity, an increase in invasions, and could also jeopardize the long term survival of the rare Wattled Crane and Oribi.  Furthermore, while the direct use value derived from agriculture and forestry increases with increasing development, its negative influence on the indirect value of water runoff, by far the greatest value of the area, is sufficient to potentially offset the benefits.  Other major direct-use, indirect-use, option and existence values are also considered.

Screening of indigenous plants from South Africa for affinity to the serotonin reuptake transport protein

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaj D Nielsen ◽  
Mikkel Sandager ◽  
Gary I Stafford ◽  
Johannes van Staden ◽  
Anna K Jäger
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake ◽  
Transport Protein ◽  
Indigenous Plants

scholarly journals THE MATERIAL LAW PROTECTION OF WILD ANIMALS

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Liebenberg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Degree Of Protection ◽  
Procedural Law

The aim of this article is to consider the protection of wild animals and other living natural resources in South Africa from a material law perspective. To ensure completeness both the procedural law and problems with enforcement will be briefly considered. Possible improvements and solutions to difficulties will also be submitted. This article will focus mostly on the pre-1994 conservation ordinances which still apply in the nine new provinces. Wild animals are protected in these provincial laws on a species based approach where animals are listed in categories and each category is provided with a different degree of protection. These ordinances are the main source of law which deal with the conservation, protection and exploitation of wild animals, indigenous plants and freshwater fish in South Africa and is usually referred to as ‘wildlife law.’

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document