Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has urged universities to lead research and value-addition efforts for indigenous trees with medicinal properties, amid concerns that foreign researchers are exploiting these resources and re-exporting them as high-value pharmaceutical products.
Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, highlighted this issue on Monday during a tour of the Forestry Commission’s nursery on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
She revealed that some indigenous trees with medicinal components are being exported to countries such as Mexico, where they are processed into various products, including tablets, which Zimbabwe later imports.
Dr Nyoni said President Mnangagwa expects universities to spearhead research in line with the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model. This approach focuses on harnessing local resources for innovation and industrial development.
“Let us be proud of our own herbs, our indigenous medicinal plants. Some people are stealing and selling them to us as tablets. We don’t know what they add in there,” she said.
Dr Nyoni urged universities to collaborate with the Forestry Commission to develop industrial hubs that can research and process these plants for local use.
“Let’s have our own universities as the President has encouraged. They can use industrial hubs to check all these. Forestry Commission should partner with our universities to make sure that they develop these for our use,” she said.
Dr Nyoni expressed concern over foreign researchers posing as tourists to access indigenous knowledge from local communities. She noted reports of foreigners camping in areas such as Binga to learn about the medicinal properties of local plants, their cultivation, and protection
“We get information that there are some people from overseas that are camping in areas such as Binga. They are camping in some of our forests to extract information from our local people about certain trees and also getting knowledge about how to grow those plants,” she said.
The Minister highlighted the economic potential of indigenous plants, such as the popular mvee fruit (Keligena africana), which is often sold on the streets. She lamented that due to limited research, private individuals dominate the export of such fruits, with the country missing out on significant economic benefits.
Dr Nyoni called on traditional leaders to assist in preserving indigenous trees, noting their role in Zimbabwe’s biodiversity economy.
She also announced plans for a nationwide campaign to market indigenous plants, particularly those with medicinal properties.
Dr Nyoni urged Zimbabweans to take advantage of the rainy season to plant trees and promote sustainable forestry practices.
The minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to intensifying efforts to protect and promote the country’s indigenous trees, urging citizens to contribute to these conservation initiatives.
