Antropologia
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Practices and Challenges in the Use of Forest Resources in Indigenous Health Care Systems among the Oromo, Ethiopia

Melaku Getahun Jirata*

This study explored the importance of forest resources in indigenous health care systems and examined the challenges to the forest resources among the Oromo. For indigenous peoples, studies have shown that forest is the source of medication for the local people, through which the health of humans and livestock have been maintained for generations. However, studies about the relationship between forest and the human health with respect to the values of forest resources in indigenous health care for the extraction of drug have been owed little or no attention in the scientific arena. Yet, though it has double edge importance in health care systems, the link between forest and human health has been overlooked for long. In spite of the role of forest resources in indigenous health care systems and consequences of continuous forest depletion, only few studies have been conducted on the role of forest resources in indigenous health care systems. Hence, the study aims to contribute to the ongoing issues about forest depletion, loss of indigenous wisdom of maintaining health by concentrating on the relationships between forests and human health. The study employed qualitative research methods. Both primary and secondary data sources were used to compile data for the study. The researcher used purposive sampling to select informants from among five administrative units of the study area. Data used for the study were gathered thru techniques including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The researcher used contextual and thematic analysis. The finding indicates that the community has been used the traditional drug extracted from the forest resources found in their environs by the technical healers for generations since time immemorial. Forests and the indigenous health care practices are threatened by factors such as continuous deforestation, conversion of forest lands by alternative land uses, especially, the replacement of forested land for commercial crops like coffee plantation, weakening and even disappearing of traditional values and indigenous knowledge in the use of forest resources are few to mention.