An ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam, Western Ethiopia

Abstract Backgrounds: Globally, wild edible plants are one of the main non-timber forest products and possess up to 96% of the value of forests. They are an essential source of supplementary foods in many parts of Ethiopia. However, they have been highly degraded and lost due to anthropogenic factors. Thus, current study aims at recording and documenting wild edible plants in Yilmana Densa and Quarit Districts, West Gojjam, Western Ethiopia to pave a way for further research and conservation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observation and market survey were the data collection tools. Preference and direct matrix ranking were used to analyze the data. Results: Thirty two wild edible plant species were reported in the two Districts. Most of the species were herbs while the major (53.1%) edible parts were fruits. Most of the collectors of the wild food were young males. Ficus sur was the most preferred wild edible plant. Conclusion: The districts are still rich sources of wild edible plants. However, there was low potential of conservation. Therefore, there should be extensive awareness rising for wild edible plant conservation.