The Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnobotanical Unit was established within the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, in the last quarter of 2024 by the current Provost (Dr. I. O. Lawal) with the aim of promoting the documentation, preservation, and integration of indigenous knowledge systems and plant heritage into forestry and environmental conservation.

Plants have been a vital component of human existence for centuries, providing a rich source of biological resources used for medicinal, spiritual, nutritional, ceremonial, or cultural purposes. However, these valuable resources are facing numerous threats, including habitat destruction, over-exploitation, and climate change. As a result, quite a numerous quantity of plants species are facing extinction, thereby compromising the livelihoods of communities that rely on them for healthcare, socio-cultural and other economic benefits. Hence the conservation of plants is imperative to ensure their sustainable use and availability for future generations.

In the light of the above, the Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnobotany unit is expected to focus on ethnobotany, which is the study of traditional plant use, plantation establishment and setting up of medicinal plants nursery and garden, while fostering collaborations between researchers, local communities, and relevant institutions to enhance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and traditional medicine development.

OBJECTIVES

The key objectives of the unit include:

• Documentation and Preservation – Collect, document, and preserve indigenous knowledge on plant usage, traditional medicine, food systems, crafts and sustainable forestry practices.
• Research and Development – Conduct scientific studies on indigenous plants, validating their medicinal, nutritional, and ecological uses and benefits.
• Community Engagement – Collaborate with indigenous communities to promote sustainable harvesting and conservation of valuable plant species.
• Curriculum Development – Integrate indigenous knowledge into academic programs, workshops, and training for students and researchers.
• Policy Advocacy – Work with regulatory bodies to incorporate indigenous practices into national policies on biodiversity and natural resource management.
• Product Development – Facilitate research leading to the development of herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, and sustainable forestry products.
  
  
  

SCOPE OF WORK

• Establishment of an Ethnobotanical Garden showcasing indigenous medicinal and economic plants.
• Organization of training programs, workshops, and conferences on indigenous knowledge and ethnobotany.
• Collaboration with traditional healers, herbal practitioners, and research institutions for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
• Development of a database on indigenous plant resources and their applications.
• Promotion of sustainable use and conservation of endangered medicinal plants.
• Engagement with international and local funding agencies to support ethnobotanical research.

CONCLUSION

The Indigenous Knowledge and Ethnobotanical Unit will serve as a link between conventional wisdom and contemporary science. By this mandate the Federal College of Forestry Ibadan, remains committed to protecting indigenous knowledge systems while promoting scientific research and innovation.