Ecological Footprints of Prioritised Medicinal Plants in Some Selected Land Use Types (Lut) of Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Senchi A. A*, Riki J. T. B, Ogunsanwo, O. Y and Bello, A. G

This study examined the ecological footprints of prioritised medicinal plants (MPs) in some selected land use types (woodlot, farm-fallow and fadama) of Sokoto state, Nigeria. Data for this research were collected using focus group discussion. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was carried out with the key members of traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) to prioritise medicinal plants in the study site. The matrix box was used for ranking of MPs. Stratified random sampling was used for the medicinal plants assessment in Fadama land, farmfallow and woodlot area in Sokoto Metropolis. The three (3) land use types were purposively selected. Sampling intensity of 2% of the total land area covered by Fadama land, farm-fallow and woodlot was used. Ecological footprints of MPs were calculated using the data obtained from the land use types. Data obtained were analysed descriptively using tables, frequencies, percentages and chart. On the ranking, the results revealed that, Senna Senegal (Senna italica), Aizen (Boscia senegalensis), Coffee senna (Senna occidentalis), Cassia Senna (Cassia acutifolia) and Moringa oleifera were the most prioritised medicinal plants in the area while Piliostigma reticulatum ranked as the last medicinal plant. Results on ecological footprints (EF) of the medicinal plants on the Fadama had revealed that Moringa oleifera had the highest EF of 0.1910 whereas the Khaya senegalensis and Mormodica balsamifera had the least EF of 0.0000. On the farmfallow Boscia senegalensis had the highest EF of 0.589 while Senna italica had the least EF of 0.2356. On the woodlot, Senna occidentalis had the highest EF of 0.042 and Moringa oleifera had the least EF of 0.0000. The highest EF was 0.3357 encountered in the farmfallow and the minimum of 0.04 on the woodlot area. The highest medicinal products EF of 0.3122 could be found on the farmfallow and the least of 0.0668 on woodlot area. This shows that, some medicinal plants are being tended in the farm-fallow after realizing their health benefits. For continued and sustained use, conservation of these therapeutic species should therefore be given top priority.

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