Original Research

Perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among animal healthcare practitioners in South Africa

Rendani V. Ndou, Simeon A. Materechera, Mulunda Mwanza, Wilfred Otang-Mbeng
Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research | Vol 91, No 1 | a2138 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2138 | © 2024 Rendani V. Ndou, Simeon A. Materechera, Mulunda Mwanza, Wilfred Otang-Mbeng | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 August 2023 | Published: 31 July 2024

About the author(s)

Rendani V. Ndou, Centre of Animal Health Studies, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
Simeon A. Materechera, Department of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
Mulunda Mwanza, Centre of Animal Health Studies, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
Wilfred Otang-Mbeng, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa

Abstract

The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2 = 17.490, df = 3, p = 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders.

Contribution: This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.


Keywords

African traditional medicine; ethnoveterinary medicine; indigenous knowledge systems; animal health care; farmers; state veterinary; integrated health care.

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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