Local indigenous knowledge about some medicinal plants in and around Kakamega forest in western Kenya

Name	World Continuing Education Alliance
Activity Title	Local indigenous knowledge about some medicinal plants in and around Kakamega forest in western Kenya
Details	Although community development goals are not always consistent with biodiversity conservation objectives. Like in many parts of the developing world, there is a growing upsurge in demand for herbal and other traditional remedies for various ailments among communities in Kenya. This is due either to the increasing cost of conventional modern medicine or, inadequacies in public health service delivery. This study sought to set in motion a process for systematic documentation of plants of medicinal value in the Kakamega forest, with a view to consolidate indigenous knowledge about them and making this information available to the wider community. It is hoped that in the process of this, ecosystem and other socio-economic services offered by the Kakamega forest will be highlighted. The study also sought to highlight any plant species in the forest that may have medicinal value that are also of conservation concern, either as endangered or as invasive species. Objectives Course Objective Kakamega forest is Kenya’s only rainforest and is distinguishably rich in biodiversity but threatened by agricultural encroachment and other forms of human activity. It is also one of Kenya’s Important Bird Areas and a significant source of natural products to neighboring rural communities, such as medicinal plants, food, wood and other fibers. By using structured questionnaires for direct interviews, local indigenous knowledge was tapped through involvement of a focal group of elderly key informants in three blocks of the forest.
Competence	Public Health
Start Date	<span class="not-set">(not set)</span>
End Date	<span class="not-set">(not set)</span>
Event Time	06:30 PM
Location	World Continuing Education Alliance eLearning System
Cost (UGX)	0
CPD Points	1