Open AccessIndigenous Wisdom and Folk Healing Practices among Urban Oromo of the Gibe Region in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Jimma and Agaro Towns
Author(s) -
Milkessa Edae,
Fesseha Mulu
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of multicultural and multireligious understanding
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2364-5369
DOI - 10.18415/ijmmu.v4i2.70
Subject(s) - folklore , traditional medicine , acculturation , indigenous , modernization theory , traditional knowledge , folk medicine , medicinal plants , geography , ethnobotany , social science , ethnology , socioeconomics , medicine , history , sociology , ethnic group , anthropology , political science , archaeology , biology , law , ecology
This folkloric study was aimed at documenting and exploring the utilization, spiritual and philosophical aspect and preparation of folk medicinal plants among the urban Oromo of the Gibe region with reference to Jimma and Agaro town. A total of 14 informants within the age group of 43 to 79 were interviewed several times on different folk medicinal plants. About 25 folk medicinal plants species were classified across 10 types, based on part of the plant used for medicinal purpose, have been documented with their scientific names in the study. The study indicate that folk medicinal plants used by the urban Oromo’s are under serious risk due to external and internal influences. Modernization and acculturation have contributed a lot in making the younger generation unwilling to practice, utilize and preserve traditional knowledge in general and folk medicine in particular. Thus, attention should be given for the preservation of these plants and folk healer’s wisdom.