New insights into the indigenous knowledge of the uses of the common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr.) in Rwanda

Abstract

The common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr., ‘Igisura’) is one of the popular plants used for multiple purposes in Rwanda. This study aimed to get more insights into indigenous knowledge of the multiple uses of this plant in Rwanda. It was conducted in eleven administrative districts in September 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 124 respondents who were chosen using the snowball sampling technique from locations where the stinging nettle grows or has been domesticated. In addition to face-to-face interviews, personal observations, and group discussions were organized at visited sites. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The uses of the common stinging nettle plant can be grouped into five categories: 1. Human medicine, 2. Veterinary medicine, 3. Human nutrition, 4. Animal feeding, and 5. Others. The stinging nettle is used in the form of cooked leaves (47%), leaf powder (39%), boiled leaves (8%), decoction (4%), infusion (1%), and fibers (1%). Stomach ulcers (37%) and hypertension (15%) are the most predominant diseases treated by stinging nettle products. Nearly all respondents (98%) agreed that domesticating the stinging nettle was important and indicated that they would be ready to grow it if they were assured of the market. Nettle products are widely sought to improve the health and well-being of both humans and animals. Yet, they are still scarce on the market. Hence, there is a need to promote the domestication of stinging nettle to increase its production and availability.

Keywords:

• Indigenous knowledge
• stinging nettle
• wild plants
• medicinal plants
• Rwanda

REVIEWING EDITOR:

• Escudero-Gilete M. Luisa, Universidad de Sevilla, Nutrition and Bromatology, SPAIN

SUBJECTS:

• Anthropology - Soc Sci, Health & Society, Health Conditions

Acknowledgment

The authors graciously express their acknowledgment to the respondents who agreed to spend their time answering survey questions during face-to-face interviews.

Authors’ contributions

This work was performed in collaboration with all authors. The authors designed the study, collected the data, performed the statistical analysis, and contributed to manuscript drafting. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors have declared that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are also especially grateful to the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) for funding this research.

Notes on contributors

J. Nduwamungu

Jean Nduwamungu is a Professor of Forestry in the Department of Forestry and Nature Conservation at the University of Rwanda. He is the principal investigator of the project entitled ‘Domestication and scaling up production of stinging nettle (igisura) as an ingredient in poultry feed manufacturing in Rwanda’. The project intends to initiate domestication and production of the common stinging nettle (locally known as ‘igisura’) as a viable ingredient in poultry feed manufacturing in Rwanda. The main goal is to replace the expensive soya bean with locally cultivated stinging nettle in poultry feeds. The project will conduct domestication trials both on and off-campus, collaborating with chosen poultry farmers. Furthermore, the poultry feed industry and poultry farmers will be involved in assessing the effectiveness of stinging nettle powder as an ingredient in poultry feeds before widespread production and adoption throughout the country.