Indigenous Use and Commercialization of Urtica dioica l. from Local Communities of Kieni West Sub County, Nyeri County, Kenya
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Date
2023
Authors
Kamicha, Joseph Wairimu
Karanja, Rebecca N.
Ngaruiya, Grace W.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Fortune Journals
Abstract
Though the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is categorized globally as
an invasive species and nuisance weed due to its stinging trichomes, the
plant is a source of vital nutrition and an ingredient in many indigenous
medicine practices. Urtica dioica has a dense rhizome that ensures its
survival, enduring adverse climatic conditions throughout the year. Hence,
this study sought to determine indigenous knowledge on the uses of U.
dioica by the local communities in three parts of semi-arid Kieni Sub
County namely Endarasha, Charity, and Watuka. Questionnaires were
administered to 196 local informants on the diverse indigenous uses of
U. dioica. Independent sample t-test showed no significant difference
(P>0.05) in the use of U. dioica as a medicinal plant across gender. 100%
of the respondents rated U. dioica as among the most consumed vegetable.
Thirdly, the study established the use of U. dioica in the food, medicine, and
veterinary sector. Lastly, despite prolonged adverse climatic conditions in
the Kieni region, there has been a general increasing trend of U. dioica
invasiveness over the last 10 years. Such consumption, coupled with the
resistance of U. dioica to harsh climatic changes could indicate the future
economic potential of the plant species in the local cottage industries to
support the government's food production and manufacturing agenda. This
study recommends increasing public awareness of the benefits of U. dioica
to boost its consumption.
Description
Article
Keywords
Indigenous knowledge, abundance, primary health care, biodiversity, invasiveness, Urtica dioica
Citation
Joseph Wairimu Kamicha, Rebecca N. Karanja, and Grace W. Ngaruiya. Indigenous Use and Commercialization of Urtica dioica l. from Local Communities of Kieni West Sub County, Nyeri County, Kenya Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health 7 (2023): 25-30