M (Indigenous Knowledge Systems), North-West University, Mahikeng CampusEthnoveterinary medicine (EVM) is a component of Indigenous Knowledge Systems derived from African Traditional Medicine (ATM) and used for animal health care in African communities. The introduction of Western veterinary medicine during colonisation of Africa led to a decline in use and loss of some of this valuable knowledge. However, Western veterinary medicine is expensive and inaccessible to poorly resourced and remote farmers. Among these farmers, the use of ethnoveterinary medicine is dominant. The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing, especially as a primary health care solution and supports the integration of the Western and traditional health care systems. Through the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Office (NIKSO), the government also promotes EVM, its preservation and its integration into the development of higher education curriculums. Exploratory surveys to document and preserve knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicine have been conducted in some parts of South Africa. However, vast areas of the country still remain unexplored. Furthermore, the success of any government proposed integration endeavours depends on the perceptions of different stakeholders in the veterinary field. Although many studies have been conducted to evaluate the perceptions of ATM among Western-trained human-health practitioners, such studies among Western-trained animal health practitioners (WTAHPs) have been neglected. The purpose of this study was to document knowledge of EVM in the previously unexplored Mahikeng Local Municipality and to determine perceptions of EVM among state veterinarians and animal health technicians (AHTs) in the North-West Province. A mixed method research design was adopted to address the two objectives. Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyse ethnoveterinary know ledge among indigenous farmers in four villages in Mahikeng Local Municipality while quantitative methods were used to collect and analyse data obtained from Western-trained animal health practitioners to determine their perceptions of EVM. The qualitative approach generated a wealth of highly trusted Batswana ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge systems, including ethnodiagnostic methods, medicinal plants and non-plant remedies, surgical and metaphysical procedures. A total of thirty-one ethnoveterinary medicinal plant species, three non-plant remedies and nine procedures were documented. Among the medicinal plants recorded, Senna italica (sebetebete) emerged as a plant of cultural importance in the study area, with the highest frequency in terms of recurrence and multiple animal treatment health indications. Culturally significant medicinal plants among Batswana for the treatment of coughs, retained placenta, gala, fractures and diarrheoa were
also determined. In addition, the concern for the loss of EVM knowledge through time, due to modernisation and disinterest of the younger generation was also exposed. This study revealed a need for further ethnoveterinary exploratory surveys conducted in other unexplored areas of the North West Province for purposes of knowledge preservation. On the other hand, the quantitative approach revealed that most state WTAHPs were aware of EVM and that a moderate majority agreed with the use of EVM by farmers. However, most of WT AHPs were not sure of the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine and perceived EVM as lacking a scientific base which shows a lack of appreciation of the value of EVM. The study also found that there is moderate support in terms of integration of EVM into veterinary and para-veterinary curriculums. The findings of the study revealed the need for integration of EVM into the curriculum of veterinary and para-veterinary education in order to promote EVM. Such integration will be a step towards decolonisation of South Africa's educational system and also assist in the preservation of knowledge. Overall, it is therefore recommended that urgent documentation of ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge be done in other parts of the country. Furthermore, promotional activities are also recommended in order to improve perceptions among WT AHPs for the purpose of decolonising the minds and also to prevent the impact of negative perceptions on government suggested integration processes.Master
