Ethiopian dry evergreen afromontane forests are primary biodiversity priority areas including many forest patches of Amhara Region. Natural vegetation of the region is now almost exclusively limited to sacred places, very few protected and less accessible areas. Despite different studies on the various dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the region, there was not a review work on these forest patches at a regional level. Lack of comprehensive review work creates ambiguity to the understanding of the current status of the forest patches. Scientific information on these forest patches is important for future managerial intervention and sustainable utilization. Thus, the review was aimed to evaluate the status of dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the Region. Each forest patch contained 15–156 plant species with a total of 525 species under 328 genera and 112 families. Asteraceae was the most species richest family followed by Fabaceae. Most patches harbored considerable number of endemic plant species with a total of 46 species within 44 genera and 26 families. Asteraceae was the most endemic species rich family. Most forest patches had high diversity. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height class analyses of most forest patches revealed an inverted J-shape pattern. Mean basal area of the forest patches ranged from 1 m2h−1 to 115.36 m2h−1. In most forest patches many number of species were put in low frequency classes. The forests had more seedlings and/or saplings than mature individuals. Although each patch had a rich source of biodiversity, it is influenced by severe anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, appropriate managerial interventions are required.

Wild edible plants are vital for the survival and sustainable livelihoods of rural people of Ethiopia. Thus, this study compiled wild edible plants, their use, threats, and management practices in Metema District, northwestern Ethiopia. Eight sample kebeles were selected purposively based on vegetation coverage and key informants availability. A total of 128 informants were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Data were collected using individual interviews, guided field walks, focus group discussion, and market surveys through semistructured questionnaires. Ethnobotanical data collected from the informants were summarized by descriptive statistics, and further verified by using informant consensus, preference, and direct matrix ranking. Knowledge difference among age and sex groups was evaluated by independent sample t-test. A total of 44 wild edible plant species distributed in 34 genera and 25 families were documented. Most (88.64%) of these plant species were found in the wild habitat. Fabaceae and Moraceae accounted for higher proportion of edible plant species. Trees were the dominant habit (59.09%). From the total recorded wild edible plants, 33 (75%) species were used as supplementary foods and 11 (25%) species were used during famine. Fruits were the most edible plant parts (66%) and raw fresh forms were the main conditions of consumption (81.8%). Diospyros abyssinica was the most cited (60.94%) and first ranked. Some edible species such as Adansonia digitata and Balanites aegyptiaca were marketable. Ziziphus spina-christi was found the most multipurpose wild edible plant species. Most of the species (33, 75%) were used as animal fodder followed with traditional medicines (25, 56.82%) and firewood (20, 45.45%). Tamarindus indica, Moringa stenopetala, Balanites aegyptiaca, Grewia ferruginea, Corchorus olitorius, and Cordia africana had nutraceutical values. Significant knowledge differences ( P < 0.05 ) were obtained among sexes and age groups of informants on the number of wild edible plant species they listed. As a result of their multiple roles, wild edible plants are threatened by various anthropogenic activities. Despite this, Metema District still supports good numbers of wild edible plants from which the poor inhabitants complement their basic needs by consuming and marketing them. For sustainable utilization, conservation, value addition, and market linkage practices shall be strengthened to improve the livelihoods of local people and sustainable forest management.