FOLK MEDICINE AMONG THE KAMBARI OF NIGER STATE
FOLK MEDICINE AMONG THE KAMBARI OF NIGER STATE
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Date
2006-11
Authors
GARBA, SALEH NGASKI
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Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe Kambari folk medicine. The
research was conducted in Kambari dominated Magama Local Government
Area, Niger State. Nasko, Salka and Magaman – Daji communities were
selected for the study. Seventy nine (79) households were selected in Nasko,
78 in Salka and 74 in Magaman–Daji by first enumerating the Kambari
households at each site after which a systematic random sampling was
conducted. In all, a total of 231 household heads responded to the
questionnaire. Thirteen traditional healers (five in Nasko and four each in
Salka and Magaman – Daji) were included in the study. An in-depth
interview was conducted with each of them on diseases they treat and the
outcomes of the treatments. They had been practicing traditional medicine
for an average of 19 years.
The household heads belong in three religious groups; Islam (48.9%),
Christianity (28.2%) and Kambari Traditional Religion (22.9%). Fifty one
percent (51%) of them had formal education, ranging from primary to
tertiary levels. Sixty three percent (63%) of the respondents believe that
illnesses are caused by supernatural factors. They use traditional medicines
for treatment. Thirty nine percent (39%) reported that they use only modern
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medicines for treatment. Male adults in the households constitute a form of
medical team for sick members of their extended family. They consult in
diagnosing and treating the ailments. Elderly women provide gynaecological
and paediatric services to younger females and children in their respective
households.
The study reveals a medical pluralism among the Kambari. A
cumulative 76% of the household heads either use traditional and or
combine it with modern medicines for treating household members. Mothers
in 66.2% of the households deliver their babies at home, taken by traditional
birth attendants. The rest deliver at modern health facilities. There is a high
prevalence of chronic ailments with 55% of the households having one or
more members suffering from either leprosy, infertility, crippling deformity,
epilepsy, vesico vaginal fistula or blindness. The ailments worsened and
became intractable due to ineffective treatment using traditional medicines at
onset.
While 38.5% of the traditional healers work full time, 61.5% combine
traditional medical practice with other occupations. They have designated
places in their homes for treating patients. All the four female healers
specialize in gynaecology and paediatrics. About 69% of all healers believe
that illnesses are solely caused by supernatural factors. Eight traditional
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healers revealed having informal professional relationship with the modern
health practitioners and often referred clients to them. Most healers claim
success in treatment. Only two reported the deaths of patients in their care
which were attributed to non-compliance with treatment schedules.
Domestic/bush animals, specified clothing materials and money are accepted
and paid instalmentally by compound heads for treatments.
The findings show that level of educational attainment, age and place
of residence influence the choice of forms of treatment sought by the
Kambari. Those who have lower education tend to patronize traditional
medicine which is less effective in treating some diseases. It is
recommended that the Kambari should have more access to schools. Mass
enlightenment campaign on modern health services should be embarked
upon while proper machinery should be put in place to make such health
services available, accessible and affordable.
Description
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA.
Keywords
FOLK MEDICINE,, AMONG,, KAMBARI,, NIGER STATE.