Socio economic and mineral analysis

Soils and rocks are natural resources that serve as major sources of antibiotics and other natural medicines that enhance human health. However, their potencies need to be investigated. Hence, this study examined the socio-economic and mineral analysis of healing soils and rocks in Ogun and Ondo States. A multistage sampling technique with a four-stage design was adopted for the study. A total of 12 Local Government Areas were purposively selected based on the area noted for the uses and availability of healing soils and rocks, 7 in Ogun State and 5 in Ondo State. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires and interview guides. A total of 151 respondents (72 in Ogun State and 79 in Ondo State) were selected for this study cutting across Herbalists, Herb sellers and Farmers who were knowledgeable on the use of soils and rocks for medicinal purposes. Data were collected on respondents’ socio-economic characteristics, soils and rocks used for medicinal purposes, methods of usage, profitability, gender variation in the use of healing soils and rocks, and how healing soils and rocks contribute to welfare.