Ethnobotany of wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts of West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Wild edible plants are an essential source of supplementary foods in many parts of Ethiopia. Currently, these plant resources have faced major threats because of anthropogenic factors in different parts of Ethiopia. Thus, the purpose of the study was to record and document wild edible plants with their habits, habitats, edible parts, collecting households, use diversities and threats in Yilmana Densa and Quarit districts, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia to pave a way for further research and conservation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation were the data collection methods. Preference ranking was conducted to rank the wild edible plants based on their use preference whereas direct matrix ranking was used to measure the use diversity of multipurpose wild edible plants. Market surveys were also conducted to record the availability of wild edible plants and their type, price, and market potential. Results: Thirty-two wild edible plants were reported in the two districts. Most of the species were reserved in forests and most of them were herbs. The major (53.1%) edible parts were fruits and most of the wild food was collected by males. Conclusion: The findings showed that districts are the reservoirs of an appreciable number of wild edible plants like many other parts of Ethiopia. Also, the consumption practice of the species is low. Therefore, conducting awareness-raising in the areas should be the primary task.