Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Shabelle Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Wild edible plants (WEPs) are essential for sustaining food security, nutrition, and cultural heritage, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In Shabelle Zone, Eastern Ethiopia, Somali communities depend heavily on natural vegetation for their daily sustenance. Despite their importance, detailed ethnobotanical documentation of these plants remains limited. This study therefore aimed to explore the diversity of WEPs, examine their patterns of use, document traditional knowledge associated with them, and assess their conservation status. METHODS: Ethnobotanical data were collected from 120 purposively selected informants across five districts using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided field observations. Quantitative indices, including the Botanical Ethnoknowledge Index (BEI), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Similarity Index (JSI), were employed to evaluate species importance and knowledge patterns. Preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and priority ranking were used to determine species preference, multifunctionality, and perceived threats. Data analysis was performed using R software, and species were cross-checked against the IUCN Red List. RESULTS: A total of 57 WEP species representing 22 families were documented, with shrubs and trees predominating. Fruits were the most commonly consumed plant parts, while roots, tubers, leaves, stems, and resins were mainly used during periods of food scarcity. Traditional knowledge varied significantly across informant groups, with older, male, and less formally educated individuals exhibiting greater familiarity with WEPs. Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell., and Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. emerged as highly preferred and multipurpose species. Key threats included overharvesting, habitat degradation, climate variability, intensive grazing, and invasive species. Notably, Boswellia ogadensis Vollesen (Critically Endangered), Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., and Commiphora cyclophylla Chiov. (Vulnerable) were identified as threatened species, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation interventions to safeguard their survival. CONCLUSION: WEPs are integral to local diets, food security, and cultural heritage in Shabelle Zone. Promoting the sustainable use and cultivation of high-value species, while integrating indigenous knowledge with in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies, is essential to safeguard these resources for future generations.