Diversity and Cultural Use of Enset ( Enset ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) in Bonga in-situ Conservation Site, Ethiopia

Abstract

Enset plant diversity and maintenance were investigated through interviews, quantitative and qualitative plant morphological analysis, nutritional analysis and field observations. Forty-two enset varieties were identified and grouped into 6 clusters, where the wild variety was an outlier. Principal components analysis also revealed the distinctiveness of the enset varieties. The study showed that, farmers in the Kaffa zone maintain many varieties along with associated myths, beliefs, songs/poems, and medicinal and ritual significance. A multidimensional preference analysis suggested the existence of a reasonable degree of consistency among farmers in naming the varieties and utilization aspects. Diversity within and between enset varieties was found to be high, and ‘perceptual distinctiveness’ of enset varieties of which farmers were minutely cognizant was significant in the recognition of variation and therefore plays a role in selection and maintenance of the existing diversity. Enset is the primary staple for the people in the Bonga in situ conservation site, Kaffa zone of Ethiopia (Figure 1). Its cultivation is usually limited to homesteads in the study area. It is cultivated as a staple along with cereals (tef, maize, sorghum, barley and wheat), pulses (faba bean and field pea), and root and tuber crops (taro, yam, Oromo potato and potato). It is well integrated into the culture of the people and is a typical multipurpose crop, of which every part is thoroughly utilised, not only for food but also for several cultural applications (including medicinal and ritual values). Although the numeric taxonomy of enset is not well established, farmers in the study area are capable of differentiating several varieties based on a number of morphological and end-use qualities. They identify these with their respective vernacular names. More than 60 locally named varieties are identified and maintained by the farmers in Bonga in situ conservation site, Chenna and Decha districts.