An Ethnobotanical Study of Enset ( Ensete ventricosum (Welw) Cheesman) in Angacha Woreda, Kembata-Tembaro Zone, South Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

An ethnobotanical study was conducted on enset (Ensete ventrcosum (Welw.) Cheesman) in Angacha Woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Region, Ethiopia. The study was aimed at documenting indigenous knowledge and practices on use and conservation of enset local varieties in South Region, Ethiopia. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews, discussion, direct field observation, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and paired comparison techniques. A total of 154 locally known enset local varieties were documented. Nine enset local varieties (‘Sisqela’, ‘Geshera’, ‘Direbo’, ‘Leqaqa’, ‘Sebera’, ‘Ongame’, ‘Gembewa’, ‘Abatmerza’ and ‘Sheleqe’) were found to be the most popular local varieties, cited by more than 80% of the key informants. Direct matrix ranking showed that ‘Ongame’, ‘Direbo’ and ‘Sisqela’ as the top most culturally important enset local varieties. Diversification was found to be the traditional management and conservation strategy of the local people. Sixty two percent of the key informants cultivated and maintained about 15-56 enset local varieties to meet with their diversified demands (nutritional, fiber, fermentative quality, high yield and disease and drought resistance). The results in the present study indicate that the local people in the study areas have a rich knowledge on use, management and conservation of enset local varieties. Therefore, in situ conservation of enset local varieties in association with their uses should be encouraged and strengthened to ensure sustainable use of this multi-purpose plant.