Ethnobotanical Survey of Wild Edible Fruit Tree Species in Lowland Areas of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to provide baseline information about wild edible tree species (WETs) through surveying of different ethnic groups in dryland areas in Ethiopia. Here the data about WETs are scant, and WETs status is unexplained under the rampant habitat degradation. Use forms, plant parts used, status, ethnobotanical knowledge, conservation needs as well as those threats affecting WETs were reviewed. The study identified 88 indigenous wild edible plants, of which 52 species were WETs. In most cases, fruits were found as the dominant use part, and they were used as raw but were occasionally cooked and preserved. Roots and bark uses are also reported from Ximenia americana and Racosperma melanoxylon respectively. June, July and August were critical periods observed for food shortage in most of the regions. However, in the Gambella region, food shortages occurred in most months of the year. The respondents in this region suggested that WETs could potentially provide them with enough food to make up for the shortage of food from conventional agricultural crops. From the respondents’ perception, Opuntia ficus-indica, Carissa edulis and Ficus vasta were among the most difficult to locate species, and they also received the highest conservation attention. Because of the variety of WETs and existing different threats, a management strategy is required for future conservation, as WETs are vital for the livelihood of local communities and are also necessary to devise a food security strategy for Ethiopia. The lesson obtained could also be useful in other dryland parts in developing countries with similar contexts.

Wild Edible Plant Nutritional Contribution and Consumer Perception in Ethiopia

“…This is becoming more important as limited resources restrict food security initiatives in rural areas, despite an increased need for these programs in the face of changing climate and increasingly vulnerable smallholder farms [ 93 ]. Moreover, Dejene et al [ 94 ] suggested that due to the diversity of wild edible trees, conservation and management strategies are needed to achieve food security from the use of forest resources. Generally, the review confirmed that food security and agricultural policies have to focus on the contribution of wild edible foods as one pillar to food security.…”

Ximenia americana: Economic Importance, Medicinal Value, and Current Status in Ethiopia

“…It is indicated that the plant is one of the main wild edible plants which is eaten during famine periods in most parts of the country. This indicated the availability of the plant while there is a drought for other plants [ 46 ]. It is also reported that Ximenia americana plant is one of the wild edible plants that could enhance food security in different parts of Ethiopia [ 47 – 49 ].…”

“…The factors responsible as a cause are forest clearing, grazing, timber harvesting, charcoal making, drought and bark, and root harvesting. The most fearful thing about this plant is also the conservation status is very low as compared to other wild edible plants [ 46 ]. Previously, the plant was widely available in different parts of the country.…”

Ethnomycological Knowledge of Three Ethnic Groups in Ethiopia

“…In addition, mushrooms can serve in a recreational context and in myths and beliefs [20]. Nutritionally, mushrooms are an important source of proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals [21,22], i.e., they are a good alternative or substitute for meat and fish [22][23][24].…”

“…This lack of documentation could make local mycological knowledge vulnerable [29]. Due to a continuing exodus of people from the countryside, local communities are gradually losing an important part of their traditional knowledge, particularly about wild mushroom species [24,26,29]. There is a genuine need to record and document local traditional knowledge and perceptions about useful wild mushrooms.…”