Problem title

Promoting Sustainable Malaria Prevention Using Traditional Mosquito Control Methods: A Heritage Biology
Investigation in Zimbabwe

Introduction

Malaria remains a serious health threat in many parts of Zimbabwe, transmitted by mosquitoes that breed in
stagnant water. While insecticide-treated nets and chemical sprays are widely used, many communities also
rely on traditional mosquito control methods passed down through generations. This project investigates the
biological effectiveness of these heritage-based mosquito control techniques and seeks to promote
sustainable, low-cost alternatives that reduce malaria transmission.

Problem Description

Malaria continues to pose a serious health risk in many communities across Zimbabwe, particularly in rural and
peri-urban areas where stagnant water and dense vegetation create ideal breeding grounds for Anopheles
mosquitoes. Despite ongoing use of insecticide-treated nets and chemical insecticides, challenges such as
limited access, high costs, and increasing insecticide resistance hinder effective malaria control. Many
households rely on traditional mosquito control methods, including the use of certain indigenous plants and
environmental management, but the scientific effectiveness of these heritage practices remains
underexplored. Moreover, inconsistent knowledge and application of these methods contribute to ongoing
malaria transmission and health burdens.

Statement of Intent

This project intends to investigate the biological effectiveness of traditional mosquito control methods
practiced in Zimbabwean communities, focusing on plant-based repellents and environmental management
techniques. Through laboratory and field testing combined with community education, the study aims to
validate and promote heritage-based approaches that reduce mosquito populations and malaria transmission.
Ultimately, the project seeks to empower communities with sustainable, low-cost strategies to enhance
malaria prevention and improve public health outcomes.

Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas

Malaria Burden and Mosquito Ecology:

Zimbabwe’s malaria transmission peaks during rainy seasons when stagnant water pools create ideal breeding
grounds. The Anopheles mosquito’s life cycle depends on aquatic environments, making habitat control critical.
Traditional Mosquito Control Practices in Zimbabwe:

Common heritage methods include burning leaves of plants such as Lantana camara, Eucalyptus globulus, and
Ocimum species to produce smoke that repels mosquitoes. Other practices include using crushed leaves or
extracts as natural repellents, clearing bushes and grasses around homes to reduce resting sites, and draining
or covering stagnant water bodies to disrupt breeding.

Biological Activity of Traditional Plants:

Scientific studies have identified essential oils and phytochemicals in these plants with mosquito-repellent,
larvicidal, and insecticidal properties. For example, Lantana camara contains compounds that disrupt mosquito
sensory receptors, while Eucalyptus oils are known for repelling insects.

Community Knowledge and Behavior:

While many community members use these methods, knowledge about their effectiveness, proper application,
and integration with modern interventions varies widely.

Stage 3: Generation of Ideas

Biological Testing of Plant Extracts:

Assessing mosquito repellency and larvicidal activity of local plants.

Environmental Monitoring:

Observing mosquito breeding sites and effects of environmental management.

Community Education:

Workshops to promote integrated mosquito control combining heritage methods and modern practices.

Stage 4: Development of Ideas

Experimental Design:

Prepare plant extracts using traditional methods (crushing, boiling, burning).

Test repellency by observing mosquito behavior in controlled enclosures exposed to plant smoke or vapors.

Fieldwork:

Identify common mosquito breeding sites in the community.

Collaborate with community members to clear vegetation, drain stagnant water, and apply plant-based
repellents in homes and gathering places.

Collect data on mosquito larval counts before and after interventions.

Educational Activities:

Present interactive sessions explaining mosquito biology, disease transmission, and how traditional plants
interfere with mosquito behavior and survival.

Distribute printed guides on preparing and using herbal repellents safely.

Promote regular community-led environmental management activities.

Stage 5: Presentation of Resources

Visual Materials:
Detailed posters illustrating the mosquito life cycle, malaria transmission, and traditional plants used in
mosquito control.

Infographics showing how to prepare herbal repellents and best practices for environmental hygiene.

DIY Herbal Repellent Kits:

Simple kits with locally sourced plants and instructions to make natural repellents.

Community Events:

“Malaria Prevention Days” featuring live demonstrations, quizzes, and storytelling to reinforce heritage
knowledge alongside scientific insights.

Digital Content:

Short videos showing preparation of repellents, field clean-ups, and testimonials from community members
who have adopted the methods.

Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations

Achievements:

Significant increase in community awareness about malaria transmission and mosquito control methods.

Measurable reduction in mosquito larvae in treated breeding sites.

Positive community feedback and increased use of traditional repellents combined with modern tools like bed
nets.
Challenges:

Seasonal variability causes fluctuating mosquito populations, requiring sustained efforts.

Some community members hesitant to change longstanding habits or skeptical about the effectiveness of
plant-based repellents.

Limited resources for continuous monitoring and education.

Recommendations:

Strengthen community leadership by training local “Malaria Control Champions” to coordinate regular
environmental management and education.

Promote home cultivation of repellent plants to ensure steady supply.

Collaborate with local health authorities to integrate traditional practices with formal malaria control
programs.

Conduct further scientific research to optimize plant extraction methods and dosage for maximum efficacy.

Develop incentives to encourage consistent adoption of combined traditional and modern mosquito control
strategies.