The Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Medicinal Plant Accessibility: A Case Study of Bukusu Healers in Bungoma County, Kenya

• Author(s): David Simiyu Walubengo ; Margaret Matisi ; Julius Ongong'a
• Paper ID: 1709496
• Page: 67-71
• Published Date: 03-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 1 July-2025

Abstract

Traditional medicine systems worldwide face unprecedented challenges from rapid urbanization, with indigenous healing practices particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation and habitat loss. This study assessed how urbanization influences the accessibility of traditional medicinal plants used by Bukusu healers in Bungoma County, Kenya. Using an ethnographic research design, data were collected from 100 participants including modern medical practitioners (n=28), Bukusu community members (n=48), traditional healers (n=17), and key informants (n=7) through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Results revealed that 86% of respondents agreed that urbanization has negatively affected medicinal plant availability, with 87% attributing this to habitat destruction from urban development. Traditional healers reported traveling 15-30 kilometers to access plants previously available locally, while 91% of participants emphasized the critical need for medicinal plant conservation. The study concludes that urbanization poses significant threats to traditional healing sustainability through biodiversity loss and cultural knowledge erosion.

Keywords

Urbanization, Traditional Medicine, Medicinal Plants, Bukusu Healers

Citations

IRE Journals:
David Simiyu Walubengo , Margaret Matisi , Julius Ongong'a "The Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Medicinal Plant Accessibility: A Case Study of Bukusu Healers in Bungoma County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 67-71

IEEE:
David Simiyu Walubengo , Margaret Matisi , Julius Ongong'a "The Impact of Urbanization on Traditional Medicinal Plant Accessibility: A Case Study of Bukusu Healers in Bungoma County, Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)