Background Wild edible plants are critical for local nutrition, cultural heritage, and livelihoods, yet their diversity and traditional uses are underexplored in Pakistan. Swat Valley, a biologically and culturally rich region, relies on wild plants for food security, particularly among economically vulnerable households. Methods Field surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2022 across 20 villages in six tehsils of Swat District. A total of 160 informants (100 males, 60 females; aged 20–90 years) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and personal observations. The quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including (UV), (RFC), and (UR), were calculated to assess cultural importance and usage patterns. Results A total of 175 wild edible plant species from 72 families were documented. Herbs dominated (62.3%), followed by shrubs (20.6%), trees (16%), and climbers (1.1%). Young shoots (41.7%), fruits (30.6%), and leaves (13.9%) were most commonly used. Plants were used as vegetables (37%), fruits (39%), raw foods (14%), teas/flavoring agents (5%), sauces/chutneys (2%), and oils (2%).Berberis lycium showed the highest cultural importance (UV = 0.813, RFC = 0.75), followed by Chenopodium album (UV = 0.68, RFC = 0.63) and Berberis vulgaris (UV = 0.65, RFC = 0.63). Novel use analysis of 115 species revealed High Level (22%), Moderate Level (23%), and Low Level (55%) novelty. Twenty-seven species were marketed locally, generating income ranging from (0.09 to 1.74 $) per Kg. Conservation assessment highlighted Endangered species (Abies pindrow, Mentha royleana, Zanthoxylum armatum) and Vulnerable species (Thymus linearis, Mentha longifolia, Morus alba). Conclusion Wild edible plants in Swat Valley provide essential nutrition, support local livelihoods, and sustain cultural traditions. Quantitative indices demonstrate the most culturally significant species and highlight gaps for conservation. Sustainable management, cultivation, and policy interventions are recommended to preserve these vital resources, ensuring biodiversity conservation and continued food security in mountainous regions.

Traditional knowledge and utilization of wild edible plants in Swat district, Pakistan: implications for nutrition and food security

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2026年2月4日

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Shujat Ali,
Salahud Din,
Sayed Afzal Shah,
Wahid Hussain,
Rainer W. Bussmann

摘要

Background

Wild edible plants are critical for local nutrition, cultural heritage, and livelihoods, yet their diversity and traditional uses are underexplored in Pakistan. Swat Valley, a biologically and culturally rich region, relies on wild plants for food security, particularly among economically vulnerable households.

Methods

Field surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2022 across 20 villages in six tehsils of Swat District. A total of 160 informants (100 males, 60 females; aged 20–90 years) were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and personal observations. The quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including (UV), (RFC), and (UR), were calculated to assess cultural importance and usage patterns.

Results

A total of 175 wild edible plant species from 72 families were documented. Herbs dominated (62.3%), followed by shrubs (20.6%), trees (16%), and climbers (1.1%). Young shoots (41.7%), fruits (30.6%), and leaves (13.9%) were most commonly used. Plants were used as vegetables (37%), fruits (39%), raw foods (14%), teas/flavoring agents (5%), sauces/chutneys (2%), and oils (2%).Berberis lycium showed the highest cultural importance (UV = 0.813, RFC = 0.75), followed by Chenopodium album (UV = 0.68, RFC = 0.63) and Berberis vulgaris (UV = 0.65, RFC = 0.63). Novel use analysis of 115 species revealed High Level (22%), Moderate Level (23%), and Low Level (55%) novelty. Twenty-seven species were marketed locally, generating income ranging from (0.09 to 1.74 $) per Kg. Conservation assessment highlighted Endangered species (Abies pindrow, Mentha royleana, Zanthoxylum armatum) and Vulnerable species (Thymus linearis, Mentha longifolia, Morus alba).

Conclusion

Wild edible plants in Swat Valley provide essential nutrition, support local livelihoods, and sustain cultural traditions. Quantitative indices demonstrate the most culturally significant species and highlight gaps for conservation. Sustainable management, cultivation, and policy interventions are recommended to preserve these vital resources, ensuring biodiversity conservation and continued food security in mountainous regions.