Ethnobotanical study of edible wild plants in Ensaro district, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia

Woldemedhin, Asaye Asfaw; Lulekal, Ermias; Bekele, Tamrat; Debella, Asfaw; Debebe, Eyob; Tessema, Samuel

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-418877/v1

Cited by 3 publications

References 20 publications

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Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

Guzo,

Lulekal,

Nemomissa

2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Background Ethiopia is endowed with much plant diversity. The insignificant number of studies on wild edible plants with their ethnobotanical perspectives indicated that this plant diversity comprised only hundreds of wild edible plants used to supplement food sources for the local community under different conditions. There still need to be further investigations throughout the country when compared to the total area and cultural diversity of the country. However, they are seriously under pressure due to different natural and human influences. Therefore, the study was conducted to document underutilized wild edible plants along with their associated indigenous knowledge and explore threats to them in Midakegn District. Methods A questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, a market survey, score ranking, and focused group discussions were employed for data collection. Statistical analysis of ethnobotanical knowledge mean variation between different informant groups was computed by using one-way ANOVA in the IBM SPSS Statics version 24 package. Results A total of fifty underutilized wild edible plants belonging to 39 genera and 30 families were collected, recorded, and documented. The families Moraceae (four), Fabaceae, Flacourtaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae (each three) represented the highest number of species. It comprised shrubs (44%), trees (36%), herbs (18%), and epiphytes (2%). Fruits (62.3%) were found to be the most frequently used and mostly taken raw, fresh, or dried. These edible resources were consumed to supplement staple foods (67.3%), whereas 25% were used as emergency foods. The majority of species (96%) had multiple uses in addition to their edibility. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) number of underutilized wild edible plants were cited by males than females, by key informants than generals, elders than youngsters, illiterate than literate, and poorer than other wealth class groups of the community. Priority rankings indicate that agricultural expansion, fuel wood harvest, overgrazing, and selective harvesting are the most threatening factors to underutilized wild edible plants. Conclusions Fifty underutilized wild edible plants, along with their associated indigenous knowledge, were recorded. Local people utilize them for supplementing staple food, as emergency food, to get relief, trust, and chew during drought. But they are mainly threatened by different human activities in the study area.

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Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

Guzo,

Lulekal,

Nemomissa

2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Ethnobotany of stinging nettle (Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich.) in the Oromia region of central and southeastern highlands of Ethiopia

Shonte

Woldetsadik

2022

CABI Agric Biosci

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Background Stinging nettle, Urtica simensis, has a wide range of distribution in the highlands of Ethiopia with untapped potential for a sustainable supply of healthy and nutritious food. This study was conducted to document ethnobotanical uses of U. simensis and the associated traditional knowledge of the indigenous people and to identify the factors limiting harvesting and utilization of stinging nettle in North Shewa (R4), Bale and Arsi zones of the Oromia region, central and southeastern highlands of Ethiopia. Methods Thirteen districts were purposively selected from the three zones and a total of 130 respondents were sampled, with consideration of gender, age, occupation, and wealth status. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, tour-guided field observations, and focus group discussions. IBM SPSS Statistical software package was used to analyze ethnobotanical data. Results Pearson’s chi-square analysis showed that there is a significant association (P < 0.05) between zones and districts in the ethnobotanical knowledge of use categories. Stinging nettle plants have an average use value index of 0.91 with a central role (FL = 44.8%) as a source of food and fodder. Cultural norms and values followed by lack of knowledge and stinginess were the main limiting factor for harvesting and consumption of U. simensis. Cultural norms and values showed significantly higher correlations with the various uses of U. simensis (r2 = 0.931, p < 0.001) indicating the stigma related to stinging nettle being associated as poor man food or famine food were probably a major limiting factor for the utilization of U. simensis. Conclusions Future strategic policies should consider U. simensis as a source of food and fodder to fight food insecurity and improve the wellbeing of society. There is a need for local level and countrywide awareness creation, domestication, and future research on value addition and processing for effective utilization of the plant.

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Study on Wild Edible Plant Used by Shinasha Ethnic Community at Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Birhanu

2023

Preprint

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Wild edible plants are an essential source of supplementary foods in many parts of Ethiopia. The aims of this study were to record and document wild edible plants used by shinasha ethnic community in Metekele Zone Northwestern Ethiopia. The Field surveys were conducted from Jun to Dec, 2022. Semi-structured interview, direct observation, focus group discussion, guided fled walks, and market surveys were used to collect data. A total of 120 informants were participated in interviewed. Descriptive statistical was made to analyze the data using SPSS version.20. A total 46 wild edible plants belonging to 38 genera and 30 families were recorded. Family Moraceae were the most popular edible plant. Trees were the dominant life forms (36.9%) and ripe fruits (58.6%) recorded plants par used in study area. The majority of (14 specie) were collected from natural forest followed by riverine banks habitat (12species). The majority of wild edible plants are mainly harvested and consumed during autumn followed by summer season. Based on the market surveys eight wild edible plants were sold and can provide additional income to the local community in study districts. The wild edible plants were consumed as raw. Agricultural land expansion, fuel wood collection, cutting for construction, uncontrolled fire and overgrazing were the major threats to the wild edible plants. Hence, the finding recommend that the community that practice in on-site and off-site conservation, public awareness raising, which requires participation the government's on sustainable forest management practices approach would help to protect wild edible plant in study area.

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Ethnobotanical study of edible wild plants in Ensaro district, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia

Cited by 3 publications

References 20 publications

Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical study of underutilized wild edible plants and threats to their long-term existence in Midakegn District, West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia

Ethnobotany of stinging nettle (Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich.) in the Oromia region of central and southeastern highlands of Ethiopia

Study on Wild Edible Plant Used by Shinasha Ethnic Community at Metekel Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

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