Bioprospecting of indigeneous species berchemia discolor and its socio-economic prospects in Vhembe District Municipality

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the commercialization potentials of Berchemia discolor species. The objectives of the study were: to establish the bioprospecting opportunities that can arise from the utilization of Berchemia discolor using indigenous knowledge system, to investigate the benefits that can be derived from bioprospecting Berchemia discolor, to determine the challenges of utilizing Berchemia discolor species and to develop feasible strategies for improving the commercialization potential of B. discolor. Two study areas were selected (Tshipise and Malamulele) to collect data because they have presence of B. discolor species. The primary data were collected using semi-structured interviews and field observations. Secondary data were collected through peer scientific journals and bioprospecting reports. The samples from the population sample were selected using a snowball sampling method. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis and SPSS-IBM 25 analytical tool. SPSS-IBM 25 was used to create graphs and tables that represent analyzed data. The study found that B. discolor is a good provider of medicine, timber materials, sweet edible fruits, and other useful materials. These factors influenced people to use the species for many purposes and gain income through commercialization. Thus, Berchemia discolor was found beneficial and there is a need for its recognition in local and national market