Unveiling awareness and knowledge of orphan plants: catalysts for sustainable transformation in Al-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

Abstract

The awareness of orphan plants and underutilized species that have agricultural, nutritional, and medicinal importance is critical to the sustainable civilization of people. The lack of knowledge of the orphan plant's importance stems from insufficient outreach and educational efforts and this may increase the underappreciation of these plants' ecological relevance which will affect the sustainable environment in the determined region. In this study, Al Zarqa basin region located in the northern part of Jordan was selected as a study case. This is due to it has rich plant biodiversity with many endangered plant species. This study aimed to assess the awareness levels of the civil people in the Al Zarqa basin regarding orphan plants and identify key factors influencing the community's understanding of these underutilized species. In this study, local youth volunteers distributed an e-questionnaire, and 1000 participants from seven villages were engaged. Different parameters that measure people's awareness regarding orphan plants were evaluated. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to show the range of the people's awareness. Data showed the predominant of the samples used were male representation (66%), aged 18-45, engaged in agricultural and handicraft activities, with diverse educational backgrounds, and monthly incomes of 300-500 JD. Limited awareness (23.3%) of "orphan plants" was linked to lower academic levels in the studied areas. Perceived benefits varied, with 36.1% acknowledging moderate advantages and 25.6% perceiving high benefits. Despite recognizing utility, participants lacked specificity in benefits or classification. The study concludes that the region exhibits a dearth of knowledge about orphan plants, necessitating educational initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the agricultural and medicinal potential of underutilized plant species, contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of residents in the agriculturally endowed Zarqa Basin.