Assessment of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices on Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) Prevention in Ibarapa Communities of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) is known to transmit onchocerciasis a filarial disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus. Onchocerciasis negatively affects both animals and humans. Awareness on onchocerciasis, prevention and control would be helpful for health planners and educators, providing basic information to focus on its prevention and control. The objective of this study was to assess indigenous knowledge and practices on black flies’ prevention and control in Ibarapa communities of Oyo State, Nigeria. Study Design:  Community based cross sectional study design was employed through systematic sampling technique. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ibarapa region of Oyo State, Nigeria, between February and April 2023. Methodology: The data were collected from every seven houses after randomly selecting the first house from 1 to 7 until calculated sample size was reached. A total of 199 respondents were sampled across study locations. Interview guide was used and data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. Results: Findings showed that out of 199 respondents; 101(50.7%) were male and 98(49.3%) were female, with average mean age of 42 years across the study areas. The study showed that all of the respondents knew about black flies and its harmful effect.  A little above average (60.3%) of the respondents assert that black flies majorly caused skin rashes. Over 70% of the respondents got informed on black flies as a result of experience and knowledge gained over time in their environment. Various indigenous control measures were used to mitigate black flies’ infestation in the study area; wearing of covered cloth (25.9%), use of lemon (25.4%), kerosene (18.9%), aboniki balm (13.4%) and Milicia excelsa extract (12.9%). Conclusion: The study concluded that respondents sampled can identify black flies, majority of them assert that the fly is harmful. However, many of the respondents’ source of information on black fly is from personal experience and knowledge gained over time in their environment. Also, skin rashes were perceived as the major disease caused by black flies in the study area. The respondents rely on locally available materials, non-scientific methods to control black flies, reflecting a dependence on indigenous knowledge and household resources.