Elemental concentration and spatial distribution of wild edible fruits and implications for dietary mineral intake in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia faces challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and biodiversity loss. The predominantly rural population relies on staple cereals, leading to deficiencies in essential micronutrients. Ethiopia's Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot hosts a variety of wild edible fruits (WEFs) that could help alleviate these deficiencies. However, WEFs are stigmatised as "food-for-the-poor" and remain underutilised partly due to limited data on their nutritional value. This study is the first to systematically assess the elemental composition of 23 wild and four cultivated fruit species from Oromia and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) regions of Ethiopia. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we found several WEFs to be rich in Ca, Fe, Mg, and Se, often surpassing levels in cultivated fruits. A 100 g serving of these fresh fruits could provide up to 40% of recommended nutrient intakes for adolescent boys. Analysis of soil samples collected from fruit harvesting sites revealed significant correlations between soil and fruit elemental concentrations for several minerals, highlighting the importance of soil properties in determining the nutritional quality of WEFs. Species distribution modelling for 11 selected WEF species identified suitable habitats across southern Ethiopia, with significant spatial variation, suggesting opportunities for targeted promotion and conservation. Integrating WEFs into diets and agroforestry systems could enhance nutrition and biodiversity. Further research on bioavailability, domestication, and policy engagement is recommended.