JOURNAL ARTICLEMavhungu Abel Mafukata
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2026
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The study investigated the cultural and economic significance of the savha (Sansevieria Pearsonii) among the residents of the Pfumembe Village of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The main objective was to explore possibilities of domesticating and commercialising the plant by developing a farm. An interdisciplinary approach was used to design a mixed method study developed with data collected from purposively selected and interviewed primary participants (n=11), key informants (n=8). Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and transect walk in the village. The plant had both cultural and economic significance. The results furthermore revealed that it was domesticable and that it could be commercialised. Developing a farm from this plant was achievable.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v15i2.48200 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEAlfred Maroyi
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2026
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Alien invasive plant species that invade natural habitats end up altering the ecosystem services and the socio-economic conditions. The current study, conducted in Zimbabwe, focused on assessing the food values of herbaceous invasive alien plant species. An extensive literature review resulted in identification of 21 herbaceous invasive alien plant species that are used as food plants in Zimbabwe. This comparative analysis of historical accounts of use from 1955 and subsequent publications revealed subtle changes in food, culinary and medicinal uses, as well as other socio-ecological aspects associated with the species. The most popular use category of edible, herbaceous invasive alien plant species in Zimbabwe are the leaves, followed by the fruits and underground storage organs. Documented species belong to 13 genera and 7 families, with more than three quarters of the species (18 species = 85.7%) being members of the Amaranthaceae family with six species, followed Brassicaceae (five species), Solanaceae (four species) and Asteraceae (three species). About half of the species (13 species = 61.9%) are native to the Americas with the Asian region contributing seven species (33.3%), Europe (five species = 23.8%) and Africa (four = 19.0%). The region with the highest number of edible herbaceous invasive alien species in Zimbabwe is Eastern (18 species = 85.7%), followed by Central (16 species = 76.2%), Western (13 species = 61.9%), Northern and Southern with 11 species each (52.4%). Therefore, this data on edible, herbaceous invasive alien plant species in Zimbabwe contribute to the global efforts of trying to understand plant invasions as their spread and socio-ecological impacts are exacerbated by the globalization of the world economies.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v15i1.43600 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEThembuluwo Gundula · Thizwilondi Madima · Favour Siema
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2025
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This study explored the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of fibroids by Indigenous people of Vhavenda in Khubvi village in Limpopo. Through an explanatory case study approach, the study documented and describe the various traditional knowledge, remedies and plants used, as well as cultural significance attached to these practices. by conducting interviews with local healers and community members, the research gathered valuable insights into the historical context, preparation method, and perceived effectiveness of traditional treatment. This exploratory study contributed to the preservation of Vhavenda traditional knowledge and served as basic for future research and potential integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare practices. The objective of the study was as follows, To explore the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of fibroids. The study anchored from the theoretical support of health belief model approach. This study used qualitative design. Data collection methods utilized was semi structured interview. The sampling methods include purposive sampling. The analysis indicated that most of people are not aware of the use of traditional medicine for fibroids treatment. This study recommended that the elderly people, the traditional healers as well as traditional birth attendant to educate our young generation on the use of traditional plants for medicinal purposes.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v14i8.44380 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations