The Selected Effects Embedded from Illegal Occupation and Theft of Medicinal Plants: A Systematic Study on Rural Areas of Limpopo Province

Abstract

The aim of this study explore the selected effects of illegal occupation and theft of medicinal plants, focusing on Limpopo Province rural areas. Notably, these plants can be used for primary health care and food purposes, amongst others. This stemmed from the associated selective effects imposed on availability of these plants by illegal occupation in the ‘traditional herbal medicine’ and related theft by local people. As a result, the depletion of these plants is negatively witnessed due to illegal occupation and theft. From a qualitative standpoint, this study used the non-empirical research design: Systematic review. Keywords were used to obtain relevant information on this subject, using non-probability: Purposefully sampling. The analysed grey literature and primary research studies from peer-reviewed and published databases were restricted to 1987-2021 [Not in order of sequence nor importance], while exercising the exclusion and inclusion criteria throughout this process. The collected data was analysed using the inductive Textual Content Analysis (TCA) method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) were employed to ensure trustworthiness of the findings of this study. The results of this study reveals that illegal occupation in the traditional herbal medicine market and theft of medicinal plants drastically affect their availability, as some of the local illegal traders seem to be lacking adequate conservation methods to minimise unfortunate current depletions. Notable studies on illegal occupation and theft of these plants strongly indicates that their trading can endanger these plants, leading to extinctions. For recommendations, this study can be used as a framework to educate relevant stakeholders and to create awareness on the associated effects of illegal occupation and theft of medicinal plants. In addition, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) deterrent strategies should be urgently applied when necessary.