Climate Change Impacts on Traditional Medicine in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a global phenomenon with multifaceted impacts, affecting various aspects of human life including traditional medicine practices. Currently there seems to be minimal studies that have been conducted regarding the negative effects of climate change on herbal medicine in Meru County. It is against this background that this study was carried out with an aim that it may fill this gap to make a difference. The objectives of the study included to: (i) determine the negative impact of climate change on herbal medicine (ii) find out the influence of climate change on herbal profession and (iii) determine climate change mitigation measures for herbal medicine in Meru County, Kenya. The present study was carried out between April and September 2023 to investigate the effects of climate change on traditional medicine in Meru County, focusing on shifts in medicinal plant availability, efficacy, and access. A survey research design was applied using semi-structured and structured questionnaires. Mixed-methods approach was used, including surveys, field observations, and interviews. Data was collected from traditional healers, community members, and local authorities. The study showed that over 50% of the Meru county resident relies heavily on traditional medicine for healthcare delivery, making it susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the study revealed that climate change has resulted to alterations in the availability and distribution of medicinal plants (85%), disrupting the traditional healing practices deeply rooted in the region's cultural heritage. Further, the results indicated that changing precipitation patterns, temperature fluctuations, and habitat destruction have contributed to the decline of several medicinal plant types. Moreover, Herbalists reported that they experience greater difficulties accessing the medicinal plants, often missing them out or travelling over huge destinations  This loss of biodiversity has not only affected the abundance of medicinal resources but has also compromised the effectiveness of traditional remedies. The, increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as extended dry or wet weather conditions have hindered access to remote areas where medicinal plants are typically harvested, further exacerbating the challenges faced by traditional healers. Therefore, this study underscores the urgent need for climate change adaptation strategies that integrate classical knowledge systems with modern approaches to safeguard the rich cultural heritage and ensure the sustainability of healthcare practices in Meru County.