Scholarlink

Background <p>Wild edible plants (WEPs) are vital components of traditional food systems, supporting nutrition, health, and livelihood resilience in food-insecure and climate-vulnerable regions. In eastern Ethiopia, particularly the Somali Region, communities rely on WEPs to supplement diets and cope with seasonal food shortages. However, comprehensive documentation of species diversity, indigenous knowledge, and conservation challenges remains limited. This study assessed the diversity, use patterns, indigenous knowledge, and public health relevance of WEPs in Gursum District.</p> Methods <p>An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from February to December 2024 using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and market surveys. A total of 100 informants, including 25 key informants, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Plant specimens were collected and identified using standard taxonomic references, with voucher numbers assigned. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices and statistical analyses (ANOVA, regression) were applied to examine knowledge distribution across socio-demographic groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to complement quantitative findings.</p> Results <p>Forty-four WEP species, representing 30 genera and 17 families, were documented. Fruits (61%) and leafy vegetables (27%) were the most commonly consumed plant parts, while tubers and roots (12%) served as important famine foods. Women, elders, married individuals, and illiterate informants demonstrated significantly higher WEP knowledge (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). WEPs contributed to dietary diversity, micronutrient intake, income generation, and resilience during food shortages. Major threats to their sustainability included overharvesting, land-use change, climate variability, and erosion of indigenous knowledge.</p> Conclusion <p>WEPs play a critical role in supporting nutrition, health, and food security in Gursum District. Integrating indigenous knowledge with conservation, nutrition, and public health strategies is essential to safeguard these resources and enhance community resilience in semi-arid regions.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Gursum district, Ethiopia: implications for nutrition, health, and food security

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月8日

查看全文
  • Abdibashir Mahbub Yusuf,
  • Getu Alemayehu,
  • Zewdie Kassa,
  • Melkamu Debas Fentie,
  • Ashebir Awoke

摘要

Background

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are vital components of traditional food systems, supporting nutrition, health, and livelihood resilience in food-insecure and climate-vulnerable regions. In eastern Ethiopia, particularly the Somali Region, communities rely on WEPs to supplement diets and cope with seasonal food shortages. However, comprehensive documentation of species diversity, indigenous knowledge, and conservation challenges remains limited. This study assessed the diversity, use patterns, indigenous knowledge, and public health relevance of WEPs in Gursum District.

Methods

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from February to December 2024 using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and market surveys. A total of 100 informants, including 25 key informants, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Plant specimens were collected and identified using standard taxonomic references, with voucher numbers assigned. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices and statistical analyses (ANOVA, regression) were applied to examine knowledge distribution across socio-demographic groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to complement quantitative findings.

Results

Forty-four WEP species, representing 30 genera and 17 families, were documented. Fruits (61%) and leafy vegetables (27%) were the most commonly consumed plant parts, while tubers and roots (12%) served as important famine foods. Women, elders, married individuals, and illiterate informants demonstrated significantly higher WEP knowledge (p < 0.05). WEPs contributed to dietary diversity, micronutrient intake, income generation, and resilience during food shortages. Major threats to their sustainability included overharvesting, land-use change, climate variability, and erosion of indigenous knowledge.

Conclusion

WEPs play a critical role in supporting nutrition, health, and food security in Gursum District. Integrating indigenous knowledge with conservation, nutrition, and public health strategies is essential to safeguard these resources and enhance community resilience in semi-arid regions.