Abstract

Fekere Fugaro* and Melese Maryo

ABSTRACT

The Ethno botanical study of wild edible plants (WEPs) was conducted in Kedida Gamella Woreda of Kambata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to identify and document the indigenous knowledge of the people on wild edible plants of the study area. Ethnobotanical information was gathered from 120 informants (76 males and 44 female) through semi structured interviews and Focus Group Discussion. Direct matrix ranking (DMR), pair wise ranking (PWR) and correlation were employed to analyze the data. The study documented 41 wild edible plant species belong to 27 genera and 35 families were recorded, of which 82% have more than one use categories. Out of the reported wild edibles 9 species (20%) were most commonly used during seasonal food shortage. Moreover, 31.1% have socioeconomic values and 51.1% have medicinal use. The study also showed that the majority (56%) of the species were collected from the forest. The results of direct matrix ranking also showed that Cordia africana Lam. and Prunus africana (Hook.f) kalkam were ranked 1st and 2nd interims of its multipurpose use value. Pearson correlation result revealed that there was a weak positive relationship(r=0.28) between age of informants and the number of wild edible plants reported by the informants, and there was negative relationship (r=- 0.37) between educational level of informant and their knowledge of wild edible plants, which shows the decline/ decrease in the knowledge of WEPs in the contemporary generation, and will probably vanish in a few decades. Regarding threats of Wild edible plants indicates agricultural land expansion ranks first, followed by overgrazing, fuel wood collection, and uncontrolled fire respectively. With respect conservation action overtaken by local people, the elderly persons of the community set rules and regulations to avoid the exploitation of wild edible plants so that species abundance is great. Thus, finding of this study showed that the local community aware the management action to be undertaken to overcome the threats. Therefore, considering the nature and causes their threats integrated management approach that involve indigenous knowledge and community participation are suggested for the conservation and sustainable use of the wild edible plants in study area.