The use of wild plants for human nutrition during a war: Eastern Bosnia (Western Balkans)

Abstract

During the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), 1992-1995, an isolated population in Eastern Bosnia was forced to consume edible wild plants due to food shortages. The population was studied over different seasons from 2002 to 2005 to examine (1) their relationship with wild edible plant sources during war-enforced conditions of food deficiency and (2) to identify species used and foods prepared. Using ethnobotanical interviews, 50 informants, both males and females of various age groups, participated and worked directly in the field. In total, 147 wild edible plants were identified from their diet. From these, 200 parts and 278 preparations were discovered. Many people had changed their established diet habits as they faced starvation and death.