Ethnobotanical documentation of Functional Food Plants Around Debre Markos District, East Gojjam, Ethiopia
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Date
2016-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
An ethnobotanical study of Functional Food Plants was conducted to document indigenous knowledge of the people in Debre Markos District, East Gojjam, Ethiopia. Data collection was conducted from October, 2015 to July, 2016 using ethnobotanical methods. Among the 21 villages in the District, ten villages were randomly sampled to conduct the study. A total of 80 informants (61 males and 19 females) between ages of 20 and 79 were selected to participate in the study and provide information about Functional Food Plants grown and utilized in the District. Of these 80 informants, 20 were selected (as key informants) based on the recommendation obtained from elders and kebele administrators while the rest were selected through random sampling method. Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews and group discussion. A total of 29 species belonging to 27 genera and 19 families were recorded as functional food plants grown in the District. Poaceae and Fabaceae appeared to be the most diverse families comprising 5 and 4 species, respectively. The habits (growth form) of the species are herbs (23), shrubs (3), and trees (3). The most frequently used plant parts were grains (23.4%), followed by leaves (13.8%). The most widely used method of preparation was cooking/boiling of seeds (23.4%) followed by raw/unprocessed (12.9%). Informant consensus showed that Lupinus albus L. (Gibto) to be the most frequently reported species (90%) followed by Eragrostis tef L. (Dabbo teff) (78.8%). Preference ranking showed Linum usitatissimum L. (Telba) to be the most preferred species to prevent several diseases. Direct matrix analysis based on general use value of functional food plants revealed that Eragrostis tef L. (Dabbo teff) to be the most important species. Fidelity level index showed Cinnamomum verum L. (Kerefa) and Lupinus albus L. (Gibto) to have high functional value to prevent against Diabetes millets and Hypertension respectively. The main threat of few Functional Food Plants as Lupinus albus (Gibto) in the study area were reported to be lesson of agricultural lands due to construction of new buildings as the woreda is the central city of East Gojjam Zone. So, stalk holders must give attention to solve the problem.
Key words / phrase: - Debre Markos, Ethnobotany, Functional Food Plants, Indigenous Knowledge, Phytochemicals
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Debre Markos, Ethnobotany, Functional Food Plants, Indigenous Knowledge, Phytochemicals