Avaliação de mercado de plantas medicinais na cidade de Maputo nos mercados Xipamanine e Adelin

Abstract

The study evaluated the medicinal plant market in the city of Maputo. The research problem focused on the lack of up-to-date information on the trade and use of traditional plant-based medicine, as well as the impact of the trade in these plants. The research was justified by the importance of the medicinal plant market, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for local solutions through traditional medicine. The overall objective of the study was to evaluate the medicinal plant market in the city of Maputo. A mixed-method research design was used, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, collecting primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with vendors. Sampling was non-probabilistic, using the "snowball sampling" technique. Quantitative data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and STATA 17, while qualitative analysis involved pattern matching. The study area was the Xipamanine and Adelina markets in Maputo city. The survey results revealed a predominance of male vendors (88.24%) and an average sales experience of 24.2 years. Medicinal plants come primarily from the provinces of Gaza (35%) and Inhambane (23%). Most customers (65%) buy for their own consumption, and the most commonly sold species include Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Chirangabuana), Mavumbule, and Warburgia salutaris (Xibaha). Prices vary, with a tendency toward greater stability in the Adelina market. The study shows that the medicinal plant market in Maputo is structured but still operates traditionally, without formal commercial strategies or specific regulations. The heavy dependence on suppliers from other provinces and the lack of formal training for vendors highlight the need for sustainable management policies in the sector. It also suggests promoting local production, encouraging urban cultivation of medicinal plants to reduce dependence on other provinces, as well as implementing price monitoring mechanisms to prevent speculation and ensure accessibility to consumers. Finally, it highlights the importance of valuing traditional medicine and its integration with modern science, expanding the safe use of medicinal plants and strengthening the sector. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)