Kenyan Plant Life - Essay Example

Affiliation Topic Plant life in tropical countries is appreciated for its huge impact on the economical scales in the respective country. The favourable conditions experienced in tropical countries allow plants life to flourish each and every day. Kenya falls under the category of tropical countries because its geographical location is along the equator. Kenya has its fair share on tropical plants and the indigenous people living in it rely on them for their daily activities. Usage of plants in the country may differ depending on the location and climate in that area. In Kenya some plants are termed as food crops while others generate revenue for the country through importation. Forests, rich in plant life, are spread across Kenya. Some plants in Kenya are used to make refreshment drinks. Plants such as tea and coffee undergo manufacturing and the end product is used to prepare drinks that are often taken in the morning hours. About eighty percent of the Kenyan population wakes up to a cup of tea or coffee every morning. This is due to its cheapness and exudes health benefits. Tea and coffee consumers have grown exponentially for the past few years. Tea and coffee drinks preparation is easy and can be done at the comfort of your home. Fruit juices are also consumed in Kenya. Avocados, oranges, mangoes among others are squeezed to produce a very sweet juice. The tree tomato fruits are used in making salad. The types of juices and salads depend on the consumer taste and most of them are readily available. Some alcoholic drinks are made from plants. Fermentation of plant fruits yield a sweet and alcoholic drink that is consumed by the locals. Each tribe in Kenya has its own type of alcoholic drink. In coastal areas, for example, the locals use the coconut plant to make an alcoholic drink. (www.ktda.com) The building and construction industry in Kenya is aided by plants. Timber is common in the building industry. In rural areas they use trees to build their houses while in urban centres they are used as pillars or roofing materials. Trees are also used in construction of makeshift business premises. Hardwood trees are cut and shaped to manufacture beautiful sculptures by the locals. The baobab tree is used to make durable furniture. Kenya harbours various craftsmen who use plants to make beautiful items such as wall frames. In Kenya, however, deforestation is highly controlled by the government in order to protect plant life. Kenyans also use plants to construct transportation means. Carts and wheelbarrows are wooden and are convenient because they can carry all sorts of luggage. Some communities in Kenya use shrines as sacred places. These shrines are built by placing leaves and trees in strategic positions where people go to communicate with their Deity. In a nutshell, the building and construction industry cannot survive in Kenya without plant life.( Daily Nation Newspaper) Plants are also used for medicinal purposes in Kenya. The idea of treating patients using herbal plants was coined from the forefathers. Herbalists exist in Kenya up to this day. Traditional medicine which comprised of specific plants is still considered in treating diseases. Aloe Vera is an example of a plant used for medicinal purpose. In Kenya, manufactured drugs are expensive depending on the ailment and people turn to plants for their recovery. Herbalists grind and crush different types of leaves from specific plants into a concoction. The concoction then is used in treating headaches, stomach aches, heartburn and other pains. Plants such as Khat are also believed to aid in dieting because they suppress hunger pangs. Leaves from specific plants treat snake bites in the Kikuyu and Kamba community. Rural health planning in Kenya appreciates medicinal plants for they are readily available and cheap. (www.overlandingafrica.com/kenya/?) Kenyans use plants to relieve hunger pangs each and every day. There are common types of foods across the country although some of them originate from specific communities. Kikuyus enjoy a mixture of boiled beans and maize as their staple food. Vegetables such as cabbages and kale are consumed every day in Kenya. Food crops are readily available in Kenya because the climate and soil is favourable for agriculture. Traditionally used plants in Kenya have emerged to play an important role in shaping the future of medicine. Research institutes use herbal products to manufacture drugs. Pharmaceuticals have not manufactured all types of drugs used in treating the emerging diseases. This means hospitals will have to rely on traditional medicine to save the lives of their patients. Traditional plants are also known for their nutritional value. Genetically modified plants have irreparable effects on humans. Kenyan plants such as arrowroots and sweet potatoes exhibit long term health benefits. Durable timber will be used to build and construct environmental friendly buildings in the future. Some plants are yet to be discovered and they might play a huge a role in future research. Plants have a huge social impact in Kenya. They exhibit both positive and negative impacts. The impact is determined by inhabitants of the plant location. Mt Kenya forest plays a huge role in strengthening the religion of the people living in that area. It is considered as a sacred place and people usually go to worship there. The water hyacinth plant has a negative impact on the community living in the shores of Lake Victoria. The community depend on fish as their source of livelihood and water hyacinth is responsible in making the waters inhabitable for the fish. Forests are also habitats for wild animals that attack the communities dwelling in their precincts. The indigenous plants growing in Kenyan forests influence social activities like camping and hiking. Some communities name plants according to their ancestral lineage for remembrance. In Kenya, plants have played a huge role in social interactions. Planting of trees has enabled different communities to come together and assist in the noble cause. Beautiful flowers in Kenya are used to express how someone feels for the other spouse. Social events such as weddings are decorated with flowers. Farming is a form of identity in some communities like Kikuyu. (www.forestrysocietyofkenya.org/?) The economic importance of plants in Kenya is hugely based on farming. The number of cash crops in Kenya has increased in the past few years. Kenyans earn a huge amount of cash from trading crops such as tea and coffee. The global market depends on Kenya to produce quality tea and coffee products. The horticulture business in Kenya has being appreciated all over the world. Pyrethrum is also a plant with huge significance in the country’s economic state. Farming is the main source of income of Kenya as a country. Farming has also played a huge role in the employment sector across the country. Indigenous plants in Kenyan forest are one of the main attractions of tourists. Tourism in Kenya has proved to be an integral sector in strengthening the economy. Small scale farmers earn a living by selling food crops to their local customers. Plants that exhibit drought resistance properties have helped to maintain Kenya’s economical state during adverse conditions. These plants include sisal and maize. The large tracts of land used in Kenya for plantation are evidence on how plants affect the economics of scale in the country (www.kenyabrussels.com/index.php?menu=6&leftmenu=88&page) References Emerton, L.. The role of natural forests in the Kenyan national economy. Nairobi: KIFCON, Karura Forest Station ;, 1992. Print. Guthiga, Paul Maina. Economic assessment of different management approaches of a Kenyan rain forest: cost-benefit and local community satisfaction analysis. Saarbru?cken: VDM Verlag Dr. Mu?ller, 2008. Print. He, Weidong. Study of biological active principles from Kenyan medicinal plants. S.l.: s.n.], 2000. Print. Nyamai, D. O., and Bangor Wales. Trees and forestry. Bangor: University of Wales [in Association with Orech, Francis Okinyih. Indigenous plant foods: their nutrient composition and health maintenance role amongst the Luo and Maasai People of Kenya. Princess Anne, MD: University of Maryland, Eastern Shore], 2010. Print.] KARI, 1997. Print. Read More