Abstract
Honey holds significant cultural and medicinal value in Nigerian traditional medicine, yet
adulteration threatens its therapeutic efficacy and consumer trust. This study investigated
indigenous knowledge, medicinal applications, and perceptions of honey adulteration among
residents of Yauri Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive
design employing mixed methods was utilized. One hundred and eighty structured questionnaires
were distributed to elders, traditional healers, and honey traders, with 127 valid responses
retrieved (70.6% response rate). Purposive sampling identified knowledgeable respondents, while
random sampling guided honey sample collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS
version 26, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (t
tests, ANOVA). Qualitative interview data underwent thematic analysis. Respondents were
predominantly male (59.1%), aged 31-40 years (39.4%), with secondary education (35.4%).
Medicinal honey use was reported by 85% of respondents, with knowledge transmitted primarily
through oral tradition (81.9%) from parents/grandparents (62.2%). Common ailments treated
included cough/cold (70.9%), sore throat (59.1%), stomach ulcers (43.3%), and skin conditions
(39.4%). Alarmingly, 64.6% had encountered adulterated honey, with sugar solution (43.3%) and
glucose/syrup (25.2%) as predominant adulterants. Perceived adulteration prevalence was "very
common" (51.2%) or "common" (23.6%). Yauri possesses rich ethnomedicinal honey knowledge
consistent with scientific literature, but widespread adulteration threatens this heritage. Findings
align with regional studies confirming adulteration through laboratory analysis. Urgent
interventions including community-based quality assurance, knowledge documentation, and
regulatory enforcement are recommended to preserve indigenous knowledge and protect
consumers.