Awoke Ashebir, Siyum Yared, Gudesho Girma, Akmel Fetku, Abate Kiros Shiferaw
Department of Biology, Mizan-Tepi University, P.O. Box 121, Tepi, Ethiopia.
Department of Software Engineering, Mizan-Tepi University, P.O. Box 121, Tepi, Ethiopia.
J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2025 Aug 9;21(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s13002-025-00810-3.
Wild and semi-wild edible plants (WSWEPs) play a critical role in sustaining rural livelihoods by contributing to food security, nutrition, traditional medicine, and cultural identity. In Yeki District, Sheka Zone, Southwest Ethiopia Region, Ethiopia, where diverse ethnic groups coexist, these plants remain integral to local diets and health practices. However, factors such as agricultural expansion and urbanization threaten their availability, highlighting the need for comprehensive ethnobotanical documentation and sustainable management.
This study employed a cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey conducted from November 2023 to August 2024 across five purposively selected kebeles. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, market surveys, and guided field walks involving 175 informants. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and documented following standard taxonomic references. Quantitative analyses, including preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and statistical tests (t-tests, ANOVA), were applied to assess knowledge variations and threats.
A total of 74 WSWEP species belonging to 34 families were identified, with herbs being the dominant growth form and fruits the most frequently used edible parts. Significant knowledge differences were observed based on gender, literacy, ethnicity, and informant experience. Agricultural expansion and urbanization were identified as the primary threats. Consumption modes varied, with 46% eaten raw and others (54%) prepared by boiling or cooking. Some plants required careful processing due to mild adverse effects reported during consumption.
WSWEPs in Yeki district are vital for nutrition, health, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. Conservation efforts, community education, and policy integration are essential to safeguard these resources. Further research into their nutritional and pharmacological potential could enhance their sustainable use and value.
野生和半野生可食用植物在保障农村生计方面发挥着关键作用，有助于粮食安全、营养、传统医学和文化认同。在埃塞俄比亚西南部地区谢卡州耶基区，不同民族共存，这些植物在当地饮食和健康实践中仍然不可或缺。然而，农业扩张和城市化等因素威胁到它们的可获取性，凸显了全面进行民族植物学记录和可持续管理的必要性。
本研究于2023年11月至2024年8月在五个有目的地选定的乡村行政区开展了横断面民族植物学调查。通过半结构化访谈、焦点小组讨论、市场调查以及有175名信息提供者参与的实地引导考察来收集数据。按照标准分类参考文献收集、鉴定并记录植物标本。应用定量分析方法，包括偏好排序、直接矩阵排序以及统计检验（t检验、方差分析）来评估知识差异和威胁。
共鉴定出74种属于34科的野生和半野生可食用植物物种，其中草本植物是主要的生长形式，果实是最常食用的可食用部分。基于性别、识字程度、民族和信息提供者经验观察到了显著的知识差异。农业扩张和城市化被确定为主要威胁。食用方式各不相同，46%的植物生食，其他的（54%）通过煮沸或烹饪加工。由于食用过程中报告有轻微不良反应，一些植物需要仔细加工。
耶基区的野生和半野生可食用植物对营养、健康、文化遗产和环境可持续性至关重要。保护努力、社区教育和政策整合对于保护这些资源至关重要。对其营养和药理潜力的进一步研究可以提高它们的可持续利用和价值。
