An Ethnobotanical Study of Enset (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ensete ventricosum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Welw) Cheesman) in Angacha Woreda, Kembata-Tembaro Zone, South Region, Ethiopia

Ashenafi Ayenew

doi:10.11648/j.ajls.20160406.18

Abstract

An ethnobotanical study was conducted on enset (<i>Ensete ventrcosum</i> (Welw.) Cheesman) in Angacha Woreda, Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Region, Ethiopia. The study was aimed at documenting indigenous knowledge and practices on use and conservation of enset local varieties in South Region, Ethiopia. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews, discussion, direct field observation, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and paired comparison techniques. A total of 154 locally known enset local varieties were documented. Nine enset local varieties (‘Sisqela’, ‘Geshera’, ‘Direbo’, ‘Leqaqa’, ‘Sebera’, ‘Ongame’, ‘Gembewa’, ‘Abatmerza’ and ‘Sheleqe’) were found to be the most popular local varieties, cited by more than 80% of the key informants. Direct matrix ranking showed that ‘Ongame’, ‘Direbo’ and ‘Sisqela’ as the top most culturally important enset local varieties. Diversification was found to be the traditional management and conservation strategy of the local people. Sixty two percent of the key informants cultivated and maintained about 15-56 enset local varieties to meet with their diversified demands (nutritional, fiber, fermentative quality, high yield and disease and drought resistance). The results in the present study indicate that the local people in the study areas have a rich knowledge on use, management and conservation of enset local varieties. Therefore, <i>in situ</i> conservation of enset local varieties in association with their uses should be encouraged and strengthened to ensure sustainable use of this multi-purpose plant.

Highlights

Ethiopia is home for astonishing systems of indigenous knowledge that helped the people survive under adverse environmental conditions, including famine and poverty [1].Farmers in Ethiopia manage their cropping systems with considerable indigenous skill
This study aims at documenting and describing the indigenous knowledge and practices associated with the use and conservation of enset local varieties in Angacha Woreda (District), Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Region of
The remaining 89 local varieties, which were cited by many of the informants, are more than enough to show that the local people in the study area used and maintained very diverse enset local varieties, as compared to the 60 local varieties reported from Chenna and

Summary

Introduction

Farmers in Ethiopia manage their cropping systems with considerable indigenous skill. They have been the generators and curators of the rich assemblage of crop biodiversity under their custodianship [2]. There is much to learn from indigenous modes of production, as these systems have a strong ecological basis, maintain valuable genetic diversity and lead to regeneration and preservation of biological diversity and natural resources [3]. This long-standing tradition can be instrumental for the intensification of sustainable agriculture in many parts of Ethiopia. Indigenous knowledge and practices need to be studied and documented

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion