Plants Used to Control Mosquitoes and Treat Mosquito Related Diseases in Maasai-land of Longido District, Tanzania

Abstract

Aim: This paper provides an understanding of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used to control mosquitoes and handle mosquito related diseases among the Maasai living in Olmolog and Engarenaibo division of Longido district, Arusha, Tanzania. Methods: Data were collected between March, 2014 to March, 2015 through semi-structured questionnaires involving male and female heads of the households (Bomas), participant observations, as well as focus group discussions (FGD) with knowledgeable tribe leaders (Leingwenanis) and other key informants in the area. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science and Ms Excel computer software tools. A total of 174 participants were interviewed on the use of ethno-medicine to control mosquitoes and treat mosquito related diseases. Results: About 35% of the respondents indicate to use treated bednets while 41% of interviewed respondents mentioned to use combination of methods including keeping home premises clean, followed by only a few (2%) who claimed to use repellent plants/herbs. Knowledge on medicinal plants used for malaria remedies was immense, and seemed to be a preferred treatment before consulting medical personnels. This was evident in FGD where the Maasai communities indicated to rely more  on malaria parasite treatment by taking some herbal remedies that clears the parasites in the blood than using plants for controlling/killing mosquitoes. Majority of respondents were aware of diseases caused by mosquitoes with frequency mention of malaria (75%). Tagetes minuta (Nang’ongudeyo), Cynodon plectostachyus (Emurua) and Azadirachta indica (Mwarobaini) were frequently metioned as mosquito repellent plants and obtained from the study areas. Likewise, Salvadora persica (Oremit/Mswaki) and Osyris abyssinica (Olesai) were highly ranked as effective anti-malarial plants. Conclusion: There is great need to conserve the documented plant species used in control of mosquitoes and treat mosquito related diseases in the area concurrently preserving the indigenous knowledge amidst a rapidly changing Maasai society as well as unpredicted climate changes.