A critical insight of African ethnoveterinary research: A multi-database bibliometric review on trends and patterns from 2001 to 2024.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Africa, ethnoveterinary medicine (including the use of botanicals) often serves as the dominant source of affordable and accessible means for managing animal health and well-being, particularly among resource-poor households in local communities. An understanding of the historical versus prevailing trends and patterns remain essential to drive the maturation of African ethnoveterinary research and to bridge the gap between Indigenous knowledge and scientific inquiry. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study entails a comprehensive scientometric review to map the research landscape of ethnoveterinary practices in Africa, focusing on the use of medicinal plants for animal health management. The analysis aims to identify historical trends, thematic evolution, influential contributors, and geographic patterns in the field from 2001 to 2024. METHODS: A bibliometric approach was applied, leveraging data from Scopus, Web of Science, and Dimensions (n = 190 articles). Literature retrieval was based on structured search strings targeting plant-based remedies in African ethnoveterinary context. Data consolidation, cleaning, and analysis were performed via R/Bibliometrix, encompassing citation dynamics, authorship productivity, institutional contributions, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. RESULTS: The research field demonstrated steady growth (5.92% annual rate), with Nigeria (87 citations/article), Kenya (67.3), and South Africa (48.8) emerging as leading contributors. Dominant themes included phytotherapy, medicinal plants, and livestock parasitology (e.g., Haemonchus contortus). Seminal works underscored the integration of traditional knowledge with pharmacological assessment. Despite the growth, international collaboration remains sparse (5.79% of works). Thematic shifts revealed a transition from broad ethnobotanical documentation (2001-2009) to targeted studies on plant efficacy and parasitic challenges (2018-2024). Citation peaks occurred in the early 2000s, followed by a post-2014 decline, predictably attributed to field saturation and absorption into broader veterinary domains. The need for enhanced global partnerships to amplify research impact, rigorous validation of traditional remedies, and equitable capacity-building in underrepresented regions cannot be overemphasised. Sources such as the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Veterinary Parasitology were pivotal in disseminating research, while institutions such as the University of Pretoria drove productivity in Africa. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the maturation of African ethnoveterinary research, bridging Indigenous knowledge with scientific inquiry. Future efforts should prioritise interdisciplinary collaboration, conservation of medicinal plant resources, and policy frameworks to optimise animal healthcare in resource-limited settings. This review provides a foundational roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and funding bodies to advance the sustainability of African ethnoveterinary and the potential global relevance.