Knowledge, use and management of native wild edible plants from a seasonal dry forest (NE, Brazil)

Abstract

BackgroundDespite being an ancient practice that satisfies basic human needs, the use of wild edible plants tends to be forgotten along with associated knowledge in rural communities. The objective of this work is to analyze existing relationships between knowledge, use, and management of native wild edible plants and socioeconomic factors such as age, gender, family income, individual income, past occupation and current occupation.MethodsThe field work took place between 2009 and 2010 in the community of Carão, Altinho municipality, in the state of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 members of the community regarding knowledge, use and management of 14 native wild edible plants from the Caatinga region, corresponding to 12 vegetable species. In parallel, we documented the socioeconomic aspects of the interviewed population (age, gender, family income, individual income, past occupation and current occupation).ResultsKnowledge about edible plants was related to age but not to current occupation or use. Current use was not associated with age, gender or occupation. The association between age and past use may indicate abandonment of these resources.ConclusionBecause conservation of the species is not endangered by their use but by deforestation of the ecosystems in which these plants grow, we suggest that the promotion and consumption of the plants by community members is convenient and thereby stimulates the appropriation and consequent protection of the ecosystem. To promote consumption of these plants, it is important to begin by teaching people about plant species that can be used for their alimentation, disproving existing myths about plant use, and encouraging diversification of use by motivating the invention of new preparation methods. An example of how this can be achieved is through events like the “Preserves Festival”.

The Conservation Efforts of Wood Apple, An Identity Plant of Rembang Regency, Based on Ethnobotany Study

“…The phenomenon of traditional knowledge can be used as a conservation step (Luizza et al, 2013). When designing sustainable strategies for management of species stands with implications for local people, the knowledge and use value of the people should be taken into consideration (Cruz et al 2013). Accordingly, the people must be involved in the enhancement of the wood apple population.…”

“…Such knowledge covers agriculture, food supply, nature protection, and health. The inheritance system is done orally, using the expression of words in ceremonies, rituals, and customs (Cruz et al, 2013). The traditional knowledge of plants can be realized in the pattern of utilization of plants and traditional agriculture.…”

“…It is necessary in order to maintain the traditional knowledge as well as to optimize sustainable use (Albuquerque et al, 2009). Recently, study of traditional knowledge often focuses on the role of demographic factors, such as age, gender, educational level, profession, and live duration in an area because these factors can form traditional knowledge (Ayantunde et al, 2008, Cruz et al, 2013.…”

Drivers of Management of Spider Plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) Across Different Socio-linguistic Groups in Benin and Togo

“…The participation in wild food collecting also differs regionally and may vary according to the income level, age, gender, opportunities to collect wild food, and cultural factors (Schulp et al 2014). Cruz et al (2013) found that while knowledge about wild edible plants was related to age, their current use was not associated with age, gender or occupation. Migration patterns also play an important role in the dynamics of plant knowledge and use and induced changes vary depending on differences in social, cultural, economic, institutional, and ecological contexts between migrants' home country/ region and their host country/region (Medeiros et al 2012).…”

“…Gender is also a decisive factor influencing management practices in communities where there is a gender differentiation of farm activities (Ekué et al 2010;Vodouhè and Dansi 2012). Cruz et al (2013) found that the degree of management of native wild edible plants in a local community in Brazil could be mainly explained by age and occupation. Younger respondents had lower motivation to tolerate wild edible plants than older ones.…”