Indigenous Wisdom and Folk Healing Practices among Urban Oromo’s of Ethiopia: A Case Study of Jimma and Agaro Towns

Abstract

This study focuses on documenting and exploring the utilization, spiritual and philosophical aspect and preparation of traditional (folk) medicinal plants among urban Oromo’s of Jimma and Agaro town, Ethiopia. A total of 14 informants within the age group of 43 to 79 were interviewed several times with regard to different folk medicinal plants. About 30 folk medicinal plants species were classified across three types, based on part of the plant used for medicinal purpose, have been documented with their corresponding scientific names in this paper. The study indicates that traditional/cultural/folk medicinal plants used by the urban Oromo’s of Jimma and Agaro towns are under serious risk due to external and internal influences. The expansion and dominance of western culture, technology and scientific knowledge system has greatly impacting the younger generation from preserving the knowledge of their fore fathers in general, and folk healing wisdoms and practices in particular. Thus, attention should be given for the preservation of these plants and folk healer’s wisdom.