Tambo District Research Articles

A feasibility and implementation model of small-scale hydropower development for rural electrification in South Africa: A case study of Kwa Madiba SSHP Plant

This research was completed in conjunction with the Water Research Commission and the OR Tambo District Municipality within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Smallholder farmers’ awareness of biofuel crops in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

In this study, 157 smallholder farmers from the OR Tambo and Chris Hani district municipality in South Africa were purposively sampled to participate in a survey. The objective was to identify the factors that influence smallholder farmers’ awareness of biofuel crops. Using a binary logistic model, it was found that the variables: gender, household income, membership in association, land utilization and qualification were statistically significant in influencing farmers’ awareness of biofuel crops. Therefore, it is recommended that the South African government should identify the smallholder farmers targeted for the biofuel program by their social status, as pointed in this study. Keywords: awareness, binary model, biofuel industrial policy, energy, shared growth initiative, smallholder farmers. JEL Classification: Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5

Communal farmers' perception of drought in South Africa: Policy implication for drought risk reduction

O.R. Tambo District is vulnerable to the effects of drought, given the social and economic circumstances of residents in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The communal farmers of O.R. Tambo District engage in crop and livestock farming activities in pursuit of their livelihoods. Economic reliance on agriculture and the depletion of resources increase their vulnerability to drought. The lack of adequate resources to prepare for and respond to drought has led to high drought vulnerability. The main aim of this study is to analyse the perception of communal farmers towards drought. This study is based on primary data collected from 87 communal farmers following a structured questionnaire survey, purposive sampling method procedures, and the creation of a perception index. The results revealed that perceptions held by communal farmers indicate that (i) they receive inadequate government support for drought risk reduction, (ii) they do not consider social networks as being effectively involved in drought risk reduction, (iii) there is a system of gender stereotyping among the farmers with discrimination against women, (iv) psychological stress affects their farm activities, and (v) they experience high levels of stock theft and insecurity in their farming. The study recommends that there should be coordination and collaboration among all role players. This includes coordination between monitoring agencies in terms of reliable early warning data, communicated in a comprehensive way to decision-makers, farmer's organisations and private sector. Collaboration with government departments at national and provincial level should also be strengthened. This includes collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) at national level, provincial Departments of Agriculture, National and Provincial Disaster Management Centres (NDMC and PDMC), Department of Water Affairs (DWA), South African Weather Service (SAWS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). This coordination and collaboration will help to strengthen strategies which target enhancing communal farmers’ awareness of the importance of social networking, role of government, level of security, stress and gender equality. The result of this study will directly contribute to the development of South African drought plan which is currently under formulation.

The physical and environmental impacts of sand mining

The aim of the study was to assess the consequences of sand mining activities on soil erosion, vegetation clearance and landslide levels in the O.R. Tambo district. The study setting included Mngazi, Chwebeni and Coffee Bay sand mining sites. Soil erosion was defined by donga width and donga depth. Landslides constitute a form of erosion. An open pit confirmed current mining activity. Clearing of vegetation and areas covered by alien vegetation were also considered to be the environmental consequences of anthropogenic activities. Communities, policy makers and managers should be engaged in environmental awareness campaigns. It is also recommended that sand mining sites should be sited outside sensitive environments.

English

Maize is one of the most important crops grown by smallholder farmers in Amatole and O.R. Tambo Districts of the Eastern Cape Province. Improved open pollinated varieties of maize have been shown by studies to be relatively drought tolerant as compared to hybrids, and can be a valuable step if adopted and used by smallholder farmers. This study assessed the factors that influence the demand for improved maize OPVs in the Eastern Cape Province by smallholder farmers. One hundred and thirty seven sample households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The demand model that employed a multiple regression model was used, and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software. Results showed that extension contact, access to credit, availability of household income and proportion of land area under cultivation, positively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs whereas the unavailability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops, proportion of land area under hybrids and landraces and perceptions on seed color negatively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs. The findings confirm the role of improved access to extension, access to credit, household income, land sizes, farmers’ perceptions and the availability of the improved OPV seeds on the market are crucial for decision making and planning in determining the uptake and use of improved maize OPVs. Key words: Demand, Eastern Cape province, hybrids, improved open pollinated varieties (OPVs), smallholder farmers.

Cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes in OR Tambo district, South Africa

ObjectivesSouth Africa has pledged to the sustainable development goal of promoting good health and well-being to all residents. While this is laudable, paucity of reliable epidemiological data for different regions...

Disclosure, stigma of HIV positive child and access to early infant diagnosis in the rural communities of OR Tambo District, South Africa: a qualitative exploration of maternal perspective.

BackgroundDespite the overwhelming evidence confirming the morbidity and mortality benefits of early initiation of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected infants, some children are still disadvantaged from gaining access to care. The understanding of the maternal perspective on early infant HIV diagnosis and prompt initiation of HAART has not been adequately explored, especially in the rural communities of South Africa. This study explores the perspectives of mothers of HIV-exposed infants with regard to early infant diagnosis (EID) through a lens of social and structural barriers to accessing primary healthcare in OR Tambo district, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.MethodsIn this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews at two primary healthcare centres in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality of the OR Tambo district, South Africa. Twenty-four purposive sample of mothers of HIV-exposed infants took part in the study. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and field notes were obtained. The findings were triangulated with two focus group discussions in order to enrich and validate the qualitative data. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the data.ResultsThe participants have fairly good knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the risks during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. The majority of participants were confident of the protection offered by anti-retroviral drugs provided during pregnancy, however, lack knowledge of optimal time for early infant diagnosis of HIV. Reasons for not accessing EID included fear of finding out that their child is HIV positive, feelings of guilt and/or shame and embarrassment with respect to raising an HIV infected infant. Personal experiences of HIV diagnosis and HAART were associated with participants’ attitudes and beliefs toward care-seeking behaviours. Stigma resulting from their own disclosure to others reduced their likelihood of recommending EID to other members of their communities.ConclusionDespite the good knowledge of mothers about infant HIV infection and the availability of treatment, the knowledge of the optimal time for early infant diagnosis is lacking. Fear of infant HIV diagnosis and stigma are challenges for universal coverage of early infant diagnosis in these rural communities. Hence, community education and intensive counselling of pregnant women about early infant diagnosis are urgently needed.

An Assessment of Private General Practitioners Contracting for Public Health Services Delivery in O.R. Tambo District, South Africa.

Low- and middle-income countries are striving towards universal health coverage in a variety of ways. Achieving this goal requires the participation of both public and the private sector providers. The study sought to assess existing capacity for independent general practitioner contracting in primary care, the reasons for the low uptake of government national contract and the expectations of general practitioners of such contractual arrangements. This was a case study conducted in a rural district of South Africa. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data were collected using a general practitioner and practice profiling tool, and a structured questionnaire. A total of 42 general practitioners were interviewed and their practices profiled. Contrary to observed low uptake of the national general practitioner contract, 90% of private doctors who had not yet subscribed to it were actually interested in it. Substantial evidence indicated that private doctors had the capacity to deliver quality care to public patients. However, low uptake of national contarct related mostly to lack of effective communication and consultation between them and national government which created mistrust and apprehension amongst local private doctors. Paradoxically, these general practitioners expressed satisfaction with other existing state contracts. An analysis of the national contract showed that there were likely to benefit more from it given the relatively higher payment rates and the guaranteed nature of this income. Proposed key requisites to enhanced uptake of the national contract related to the type of the contract, payment arrangements and flexibility of the work regime, and prospects for continuous training and clinical improvements. Low uptake of the national General Practitioner contract was due to variety of factors related to lack of understanding of contract details. Such misunderstandings between potential contracting parties created mistrust and apprehension, which are fundamental antitheses of any effective contractual arrangement. The idea of a one-size-fits-all contract was probably inappropriate.

The Role of Community Health Workers in the Re-Engineering of Primary Health Care in Rural Eastern Cape.

Primary Health Care in South Africa is being re-engineered to create a model of integrated care across different levels of the health care system. From hospitals to clinics, in the community and in the home, health care will focus more on prevention, health-promotion and advocacy for healthy lifestyles and wellbeing, in addition to clinical services. We provide a best practise model of integrating community health workers (CHWs) trained as generalists into a multi-level health system in the Oliver Tambo district of the rural Eastern Cape. Based at Zithulele Hospital, a health care network between the hospital, 13 clinics, and 50 CHWs has been created. The functions of each tier of care are different and complementary. This article describes the recruitment, training, supervision, monitoring, and outcomes when CHWs who deliver maternal, child health, nutrition and general care through home visits. CHWs, especially in rural settings, can find and refer new TB/HIV cases, ill children and at-risk pregnant women; rehabilitate malnourished children at home; support TB and HIV treatment adherence; treat diarrhoea, worm infestation and skin problems; and, distribute Vitamin A. CHWs provide follow-up after clinic and hospital care, support families to apply health information, problem-solve the health and social challenges of daily living, and assist in accessing social grants. Case examples of how this model functions are provided. This generalist CHW home intervention is a potential model for the re-engineering of the primary health care system in South Africa.

English

Plants have long been the source of important products with nutritional and therapeutic properties. African indigenous functional food-plants such as Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum may constitute important sources of phytochemical constituents for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds against infectious organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial properties of C. album and S. nigrum leaves used as functional food-plants in the O.R. Tambo district municipality of South Africa. Organic and aqueous solvent-extracts of C. album and S. nigrum were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051), Escherichia coli (25922) and Enterococcus faecalis (51299) using standard microbiological techniques. Ciprofloxacin was included in all the experimental runs as positive control antibiotic. The aqueous extracts of both plants were the most active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 0 - 20 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values ranging from 0.63 - 10 mg/mL. The positive control antibiotic was highly active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 17 - 31 mm and MIC50 values from 0.0003 - 0.0005 mg/mL for all the bacteria tested. Both extracts were bactericidal with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranging from 2.5 - 20 mg/mL. From the results, it can be concluded that both plants possess compounds with antimicrobial properties, thus validating scientifically their use in traditional medicine. However, more studies to document the respective plant-principles responsible for antimicrobial activity of these plants would shed more light on their pharmacological properties. Key words: Antimicrobial resistance, sensitivity tests, functional plants, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Español

Objetivos: Determinar el nivel de parasitosis intestinal infantil según la zona de procedencia en estudiantes del nivel primario del distrito de El Tambo, Huancayo. Métodos: Investigación de alcance descriptivo correlacional. Para la recolección de datos sobre la parasitosis se empleó el examen parasitológico seriado de deposiciones (EPSD) y el test de Graham, con observación de tres muestras diferentes por estudiante, correspondientes a los escolares que cursaron el primer, segundo y tercer grado de educación primaria durante el año 2013 en las instituciones educativas 31509 Ricardo Menéndez Menéndez y 30219 de Paccha, distrito de El Tambo, Huancayo. Resultados: Se observó que presentaron parásitos patógenos el 46,20% de estudiantes procedentes de la zona rural y el 38,6% de zona urbana. Luego del proceso de prueba de hipótesis se observó que no existían diferencias significativas en relación con la parasitosis según la zona de procedencia (chi cuadrado de Pearson = 0,634 GL = 1. Valor P = 0,426). Se empleó la prueba chi cuadrado, al 0,05 de significancia y 95% de confianza estadística. Conclusiones: No existe diferencia significativa entre el nivel de parasitosis de acuerdo con la zona de procedencia.

Determinants of agroforestry technology adoption in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

This study explores factors that affect the adoption of agroforestry (AF) technologies in ‘Tsolo’ and ‘Lusikisiki’ areas in O.R. Tambo district in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is based on empirical evidence gathered from households in the study areas. The aim and objective of the study are consistent with the strategic priorities of the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. The study finds that agricultural farming experience, education level of the household head, a proxy variable for household wealth status, land size owned, number of livestock owned, pace of adoption of other agricultural technologies, the scale of slope of farm land, and percent of severely degraded farm land affect the adoption of AF technologies in the study areas significantly and with the higher magnitudes of the odds ratios. These variables need to be considered in all the initiatives by government and non-governmental organizations to promote AF as a strategy to realize integrated rural development in the study areas. These findings have policy implications to advance integrated sustainable rural development strategies. The local government in the study areas can use the promotion of AF technologies for multiple purposes, particularly as a tool toward rural poverty alleviation and climate change mitigation measures.

Inhibitory and Bactericidal Potential of Some Indigenous Functional Food-Plants Used in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality of South Africa

Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in the management of infectious diseases. African indigenous functional food-plants such as Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum may constitute important sources of phytochemical constituents for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds against infectious organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial pro- perties of Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum-leaves used as functional food-plants in the O.R. Tambo district municipality of South Africa. Organic and aqueous solvent-extracts of C. album and S. nigrum were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC127853), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051), Escherichia coli (25922) and Enterococcus faecalis (51299) using standard microbiological techniques. Ciprofloxacin was included in all the experimental runs as positive control antibiotic. The aqueous extracts of both plants were the most active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 0 mm - 20 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values ranging from 0.63 mg/mL - 10 mg/mL. The positive control antibiotic was highly active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 17 mm - 31 mm and MIC50 values from 0.0003 mg/mL - 0.0005mg/mL for all the bacteria tested. Both extracts were bactericidal with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranges from 2.5mg/mL - 20mg/mL. From the results, it can be concluded that both plants possess compounds with antimicrobial properties, thus validating scientifically their use in traditional medicine. However, more studies to document the respective plant-principles responsible for antimicrobial activity of these plants would shed more light on their functional properties.

Estudio comparativo de empadre controlado de 4 versus 5 partos al año en la crianza de cuyes

El presente trabajo se desarrolló en los años 2005 y 2006 en la Granja Agropecuaria de Yauris de la U.N.C.P., ubicada en el distrito de El Tambo, provincia de Huancayo, región Junín, a una altitud de 3 280 m.s.n.m. El objetivo fue evaluar los parámetros productivos y reproductivos en cuyes sometidos a dos sistemas de empadre (T1 empadre controlado con 4 partos al año versus T2 empadre controlado con 5 partos al año), determinando en ambos tratamientos el número de partos logrados al año, número de crías nacidas al año, número de crías destetadas al año, tamaño promedio de camada al año, número de crías destetadas por cada hembra empadrada en el año y el peso total de crías destetadas por tratamiento en el año, es decir, la productividad ponderal de cada tratamiento expresada por el número de kilos de crías destetadas en el año por cada hembra empadrada.
 Los resultados demuestran 25 partos más al año para el tratamiento T2 (empadre controlado con 5 partos al año), diferencia altamente significativa para (p<0,01). Igualmente se registraron 52 más en el tratamiento T2, diferencia significativa para (p<0,05). En cuanto al tamaño de camada promedio se registró 2,67 crías para el tratamiento T2 (5 partos al año) versus 2,74 crías para el tratamiento T1 (4 partos al año). La diferencia de 0,07 crías a favor del tratamiento T1 resultó, al análisis de varianza, no ser significativa. Respecto al número promedio de crías destetadas al año por parto, se registró 1,29 crías para el tratamiento T2 (5 partos al año) versus 1,23 crías para el tratamiento T1 (4 partos al año). La diferencia de 0,09 crías destetadas por hembra empadrada a favor del tratamiento T2 resultó, al análisis de variancia, no ser significativa. En cuanto al número de crías destetadas al año por hembra empadrada se registró 6,43 crías para el tratamiento T2 (5 partos al año) versus 6,14 crías para el tratamiento T1 (4 partos al año). La diferencia de 0,09 crías destetadas a favor del tratamiento T2 resultó, al análisis de varianza, no ser significativa. Por último se registró el peso total de crías destetadas al año por cada tratamiento de 8 179 kilos para el tratamiento T2 (5 partos al año) versus 5 763 kilos de crías destetadas para el tratamiento T1 (4 partos al año). La diferencia de 2 416 kilos de crías destetadas a favor del tratamiento T2 resulta, al análisis de varianza, ser altamente significativa para (p<0,01). El trabajo concluye anunciando que es posible aumentar significativamente la productividad de hembras en empadre, expresada en «kilos de destetados por hembra empadrada al año», cuando se programa un empadre controlado de 5 partos al año.

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Objectives: To estimate the risks of water scarcity in Huancayo city (Huancayo, El Tambo and Chilca districts) on 2030, by compilation and data analysis of water supply and demand. Methods: We developed a descriptive research, crosssectional design, we used the analysis method of water scarcity hazard, considering the water supply for the urban supplying, domestic demand and its balance, for the vulnerability was contemplated the use behavior and preparation addressing scarcity based on the application of a survey to householders of 1 172 homes in the urban area of Huancayo, El Tambo and Chilca districts, then we systematized the information generating a database using ArcGis software, this had like spatial analysis unit the urban sectors, then estimating risks expressed in sector and in affected population to a current scenario for the 2030. Results: The population growth trends indicate that Huancayo city have 429 100 population in 2030 and would demand a volume of 25,8 million cubic meters, outstripping the supply in 45%, due to distribution losses, affecting in this way at the 33,7% of the city, belonging to high-risk sectors where there are 42 schools, 7 health centers and 12 commercial centers. Conclusions: In the year 2030 the affected population due to water scarcity will increase to 152 432 people, due to water rationing average of 2 hours less to the current ones.

Opportunities for conservation and utilisation of local pig breeds in low-input production systems in Zimbabwe and South Africa

In situ conservation of pig genetic resources requires understanding of the farming systems under which the pigs are kept. The objective of the study was to characterise smallholder pig production systems where indigenous pigs are kept in order to assess opportunities for in situ conservation of these pigs. Factors influencing pig herd sizes, ranking of pigs in smallholder production systems, breeds and breed preferences, pig ownership patterns, traits preferred by farmers and constraints to production were investigated in a survey involving 199 farmers from Chirimhanzu District of Zimbabwe, Vhembe, Alfred Nzo and O. R. Tambo Districts of South Africa. Income was the major factor influencing most pig production related parameters. Most pigs (69.67 %) were owned by women, with most of the women falling into the very low income group. Farmers kept pigs for several reasons that were common across geographical zones and income groups. The odds of a farmer ranking pigs first in the production system depended on the absence of other livestock (P < 0.05). Farmers in the higher income group tended to mention poor feed resources and access to information as constraints (P < 0.05) compared to the very low income group. There was preference heterogeneity in the breeds kept and the reasons for breed choice across the income groups and geographical zones. Fewer farmers in the very low income group (42.62 %) recognised the need to conserve local pigs compared to the low income group (80.49 %), the medium income group (50.00 %) and the high income group (100.00 %; χ (2) = 19.14; P < 0.001). It was concluded that farmers see value in local pigs and are willing to conserve them. In situ conservation programmes are possible and these should recognise the role of poor women in conserving and enhancing indigenous pig genetic resources.

Infection control in general practices in Buffalo City and OR Tambo District Municipalities, South Africa

BackgroundGood infection control practices are effective in reducing rates of infection in health care settings. Studies in primary care in developed countries indicate that many general practitioners (GPs) do not comply with optimal infection control practices. There are no published studies from developing countries in Southern Africa.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe infection control practices in private GP surgeries in the Buffalo City and OR Tambo District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.MethodA literature review was conducted to appraise current best practice with respect to Standard Infection Control and Transmission Based Precautions. A questionnaire, inquiring into GPs’ actual practices, was posted to each surgery.ResultsThe valid response rate was 34% (47/140). Methods used to sterilise instruments in 40 practices were: ultraviolet sterilisation (23), chemical disinfection (14), boiling water (7), and steam autoclave (2). Compounds used for chemical disinfection included organotin quaternary, chlorhexidine and benzyl ammonium chloride with a quaternary complex. Twenty-two (47%) used a hand rub. Sixteen (35%) GPs stated that they had a policy to promptly triage patients who are coughing, and 23 (50%) had a policy for airflow movement in the surgery. All practices appropriately disposed of sharps. Thirty-seven (80%) expressed interest in a seminar on infection control.ConclusionsOverall, GPs were aware of infection control precautions. Ultraviolet sterilisers and chlorhexidine are not recommended, however, for sterilisation or high level disinfection of medical instruments, and their use should be discontinued. Hand rubs are underutilised. GPs should implement Transmission Based Precautions to prevent airborne and droplet infections.

Towards sustainable water service delivery in OR Tambo and Amathole District municipalities

Towards sustainable water service delivery in OR Tambo and Amathole District municipalities

Molecular basis of virulence in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species from a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

BackgroundApart from localized gastrointestinal infections, Escherichia coli and Salmonella species are major causes of systemic disease in both humans and animals. Salmonella spp. cause invasive infections such as enteric fever, septicemia, osteomyelitis and meningitis while certain types of E. coli can cause systemic infections, includingpyelonephritis, meningitis and septicemia. These characteristic requires the involvement of a myriad of virulence factors.MethodsThis study investigated the virulence factors of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in clinical specimens from patients with diarrhoea presenting to health care centres in Oliver R. Tambo District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. Microbiology analysis involved the use of cultural and molecular techniques.ResultsOut of a total of 315 samples screened, Salmonella isolates were obtained in 119 (37.8%) of cases and these comprised: S. choleraesuis (6%), S. enteritidis (4%), S. eppendorf (1%), S. hadar (1%), S. isangi (8%), S. panama (1%), S. typhi (52%), S. typhimurium (25%) and untyped Salmonella spp. (2%). Among the Salmonella species 87 (73.1%) were invasive. Using molecular diagnostic methods, diarrheagenic E. coli were detected in 90 cases (28.6%): the greater proportion of this were enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) 37 (41.1%), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) 21 (23.3%) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) 21 (23.3%). The predominant virulence gene among the diarrheagenic E. coli was EAEC heat-stable enterotoxin astA genes while the virulence genes identified in the Salmonella strains were 15 (12.6%) flic and 105 (88.2%) inv genes. The amino acid identity of the representative genes showed 95-100% similarity to corresponding blast searched sequence.ConclusionsThis study showed the diversity of virulence gene expression in two major enteric pathogens. S. typhi and enteroaggregative E. coli were the predominant enteropathogens in our study area with an indication that EAEC is endemic within our study population. It was observed among other things that some diarrheagenic E. coli isolated from apparently asymptomatic subjects expressed some virulence genes at frequency as high as seen in diarrheagenic cases. This study underlines the importance of understanding the virulence composition and diversity of pathogens for enhanced clinico-epidemiological monitoring and health care delivery.

English

&nbsp; Indigenous health system and the use of herbal plants have been recognized as pivotal in primary health care and a system to reckon with in achieving one of the targets of the millennial goals on health. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to identify indigenous herbal remedies for diarrhoea and associated stomach ailments in rural areas of the O.R. Tambo district municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The main objective of the study was to gather ethnomedical data on potentially valuable indigenous medicinal plants for the eventual development of new pharmaceuticals and also emphasize the role of ethnomedicine in primary health care. The use of herbal remedies in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery was investigated using interviews. The survey was conducted among traditional healers and knowledgeable local elders who use medicinal plants to treat common illnesses. Data from the survey indicated the names of plants commonly used in the treatment of diarrhoea and associated ailments, the methods of preparation, parts used and administration. A total of 32 plant species belonging to 26 families were reportedly used as diarrhoea remedy in the study area. The most predominant families of medicinal plants employed and most frequently recommended were Fabaceae (16.67%), followed by Hyacinthaceae and Hydnoraceae (8.33% each). The most commonly utilized portions of plants for medicinal purposes included roots and leaves. Other parts were corms, bulbs, tubers, fruits and bark. The methods of preparation often employed were decoctions and infusions whilst medication was frequently administered orally or as enema.&nbsp;Some of the plants were used singly or mixed with other plant(s) while some edible ones are consumed as food. The survey documented a diversity of plants employed as remedy for diarrhoea. Integration of&nbsp;this form of health care system into western medicine is warranted. The propagation of such medicinal plants is vital for sustainable use of these medicinal plants. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Ethnobotany, herbal remedy, indigenous, diarrhoea, primary health.