ArticleTropical medicine and health2026
Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Gursum district, Ethiopia: implications for nutrition, health, and food security.
Article in Tropical medicine and health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Traditional Knowledge and Biocultural Roles of Edible Flowers in Local Food Systems of Baise City, Guangxi, China.Biology · 2026Article
- Ethnobotanical assessment of wild edible plants and indigenous knowledge in Tegedie District, Ethiopia.Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine · 2026Article
- Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Dabat District, Ethiopia.Tropical medicine and health · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundWild edible plants (WEPs) are vital components of traditional food systems, supporting nutrition, health, and livelihood resilience in food-insecure and climate-vulnerable regions. In eastern Ethiopia, particularly the Somali Region, communities rely on WEPs to supplement diets and cope with seasonal food shortages. However, comprehensive documentation of species diversity, indigenous knowledge, and conservation challenges remains limited. This study assessed the diversity, use patterns, indigenous knowledge, and public health relevance of WEPs in Gursum District.
methodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted from February to December 2024 using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and market surveys. A total of 100 informants, including 25 key informants, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Plant specimens were collected and identified using standard taxonomic references, with voucher numbers assigned. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices and statistical analyses (ANOVA, regression) were applied to examine knowledge distribution across socio-demographic groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to complement quantitative findings.
resultsForty-four WEP species, representing 30 genera and 17 families, were documented. Fruits (61%) and leafy vegetables (27%) were the most commonly consumed plant parts, while tubers and roots (12%) served as important famine foods. Women, elders, married individuals, and illiterate informants demonstrated significantly higher WEP knowledge (p < 0.05). WEPs contributed to dietary diversity, micronutrient intake, income generation, and resilience during food shortages. Major threats to their sustainability included overharvesting, land-use change, climate variability, and erosion of indigenous knowledge.
conclusionWEPs play a critical role in supporting nutrition, health, and food security in Gursum District. Integrating indigenous knowledge with conservation, nutrition, and public health strategies is essential to safeguard these resources and enhance community resilience in semi-arid regions.
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