Developing an understanding of problems being experienced by traditional healers living on the western border of the Kruger National Park: Foundations for an integrated conservation and development programme

Abstract

The World Health Organisation estimates that 70‐80 per cent of Third World populations utilise traditional medicines. In South Africa this number is increasing due to population growth, rapid urbanisation, lack of alternative medical facilities, widespread poverty, violence and a belief that certain diseases can only be cured with traditional medicine. In 1994, traditional healers living on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park in South Africa requested assistance in obtaining scarce medicinal plant and animal species. It soon became apparent that developing a participative programme would require a deeper understanding by conservationists of the sociological, cultural and environmental factors affecting traditional healers. This research project was aimed at investigating these factors, as well as providing traditional healers with an opportunity for learning more about the problems conservationists are experiencing, thus building a foundation for a future integrated conservation and development programme.

Notes

Project Executant, The Green Trust, a subsidiary of the World Wildlife Fund (SA), and Nedbank provided core funding for the initial development of the Kruger National Park's Integrated Conservation and Development Programme, as well as two years of the Traditional Healers’ Programme. The British High Commission is funding the first phase of Ukukhanya Kwemvelo's medicinal plant reserve, with technical assistance from Ecolink. The author would like to thank the following persons: Dr A Cunningham (WWF People and Plants Initiative) and Mr G Laws (Green Trust), who contributed substantially to the development of the overall programme, E Mthombothi, B Nobela, Mr A Venter, Mrs A Venter, HP Chauke, C Shackleton, E Witkowski, A Botha, the traditional healers and other community members of the Lubambiswano and Hlanganani fora, and the African Biodiversity Advisory Group.