Wild edible trees and shrubs in the semi-arid lowlands of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Benna Tsemay district, South Omo Zone of the Southern Nations’, Nationalities’ and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia, to identify and document wild edible trees and shrubs and to assess their role in household food security. Ethno-botanical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interview, group discussion and vegetation inventory. A total of 30 wild edible trees and shrubs were identified and documented, of which 15 species (50%) have a supplementary role in household food security, three species (10%) are used to fill the seasonal food shortage and 12 species (40%) have an emergency role. In addition to food, four species are used to generate income for households. The density of wild edible trees and shrubs varied with altitude, the average number being 25 trees or shrubs ha-1 in the lower altitudinal zones (500–600 m a.s.l.) and 312 in mid-altitudinal zones (1200–1500 m a.s.l.). The harvestable edible materials also varied from site to site, with average quantities of 85 and 382 kg ha-1 for the lowlands and mid-altitudinal zones, respectively. Expansion of agriculture (25%), fire hazards (21.7%) and overgrazing (18%) were the major threats to the existence of wild edible trees and shrubs in the study area. The study indicated that wild edible plants are valuable resources for improving food and nutritional security and income of households living in dryland areas. Thus, more research is needed to assess their nutritional value and economic as well as ecological contributions.