MITIGATING THE RISK OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN HERBS USED IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MEDICINE: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

Abstract

Traditional African medicine relies heavily on the use of medicinal herbs, which play a vital role in the healthcare systems of many African communities. However, climate change poses a significant threat to the sustainability and availability of these medicinal plants, thereby jeopardizing the health and well-being of local populations. Adopting an analytic method, this article explores the challenges and strategies associated with mitigating climate change risk on herbs used in traditional African medicine. In doing that, thispaper investigates the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution and abundance of medicinal herbs. In doing that, it highlights how rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and habitat loss through deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization can directly affect these plants' growth, development, and survival. The article also discusses how altered climatic conditions may impact medicinal herbs' chemical composition and therapeutic properties, potentially compromising their efficacy and safety. In conclusion, this paper emphasizes the socio-economic implications of climate change on traditional African medicine. Byshedding light on the vulnerability of local communities, particularly those reliant on medicinal herbs for healthcare, disruptions in the availability and quality of these resources can lead to increased health risks, reduced cultural practices, and loss of traditional knowledge.