The status (weed or beneficial shrub) of Chromolaena odorata in West Africa has been a major subject of debate since its introduction in the 1930s. Its negative impacts on agriculture and biodiversity are clear. However, indigenous people have harnessed several benefits of the plant, making management strategies less straightforward. Using indigenous voices in Ghana, the current perceptions of C. odorata in West Africa were assessed. Here, 90 respondents in three regions of Ghana were interviewed, using questionnaires, on aspects relating to the abundance, perceptions and management of C. odorata in their communities. Overall, results showed that the density of C. odorata had declined. The majority of the respondents considered C. odorata as a fallow shrub, a medicinal plant or both. However, impacts on crop production and injuries incurred during physical control were also highlighted. The local uses of the plant in Ghana included treating fevers and injuries, and as a fallow shrub for soil nutrient replenishment. Although most of the respondents classified C. odorata as a useful shrub in Ghana, they also highlighted the use of local farming tools such as cutlasses for the slash of the plant. The use of herbicides for the control of C. odorata was rare and not applied specifically for C. odorata. In conclusion, local awareness programmes on the deleterious impacts of C. odorata on ecosystem functioning and livelihoods are required for its effective management in West Africa.

中文翻译：

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杂草还是不杂草？西非香蝶（Chromolaena odorata）（菊科）的密度，感知和管理：加纳的声音

自1930年代问世以来，西非Chromolaena odorata的地位（杂草或有益灌木）一直是辩论的主要议题。它对农业和生物多样性的负面影响是显而易见的。但是，土著人民已经利用了该植物的许多好处，从而使管理策略变得不那么直接。利用加纳的土著声音，评估了西非目前对香茅的感知。在这里，通过问卷调查，对加纳三个地区的90名受访者进行了调查，调查涉及其社区中的美人鱼的数量，感知和管理。总体而言，结果表明，香茅的密度下降了。大多数受访者认为C. odorata作为休闲灌木，药用植物或两者兼有。但是，还强调了在物理控制过程中对作物产量和伤害的影响。加纳在当地的植物用途包括治疗发烧和受伤，并作为休闲灌木来补充土壤养分。尽管大多数受访者在加纳将香茅（C. odorata）归类为有用的灌木丛，但他们也强调了使用本地耕作工具，例如用弯刀来砍杀植物。除草剂用于防治臭皮草的情况很少见，并非专门用于臭皮草。总而言之，地方意识计划对香茅的有害影响 在西非对其进行有效管理需要生态系统功能和生计方面的知识。