Indigenous Knowledge (IK) of Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) and Impacts of Resettlement in Delanta, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Delanta (Ethiopia) to document the use and management of wild edible plants (WEPs) and to assess the impacts of the 1984/85 resettlement program on these resources and associated indigenous knowledge (IK). Data were collected from 72 informants in six study sites through semi-structured interviews, guided field walk, simulation and group discussion, and analyzed using standard ethnobotanical tools including abundance score, ranking and comparison. In total, 49 WEPs including nutraceutical species belonging to 40 genera and 29 families were documented. Herbs accounted for 50.9% of the total species and fruits took the lead. The majority of the WEPs were used for other purposes. Multiple use analysis showed that fodder (51.2%) and fuel woods (44.2%) were the most frequently mentioned uses. The resettlement program had both positive and negative impacts on rehabilitation and retention IK. More of the plant knowledge was held by permanent residents than that of returnees. The findings inform that efforts need to be directed for in situ conservation of the multipurpose and threatened plants species.

Keywords: Delanta, indigenous knowledge, resettlement, wild edible plants

Cite this Article

Meragiaw M, Asfaw Z, Argaw M. Indigenous knowledge (IK) of wild edible plants (WEPs) and impacts of resettlement in Delanta, Northern Ethiopia. Research and Reviews: Journal of Herbal Sciences. 2015; 4(3): 8–26p.