Abstract
Plants have been used throughout human history as a source of food, medicine and material culture. Several studies on plant material culture from Ethiopia, were limited to a certain geographical areas and ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the plants and associated indigenous knowledge of three ethnic groups (Shekacho, Sheko and Mejengir), residing in the Masha and Yeki Districts of Sheka Zone, southwest Ethiopia. A total of 80 informants between the ages of 20 and 80 were selected by the help of local administrators and knowledgeable elders. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interview, guided-field-walk and field observation. Simple statistical methods such as percentage, ranking and comparison were applied for data analysis. A total of 113 plant species distributed in 91 genera from 48 botanical families were reported by informants of three ethnic groups used in making plant-based material culture. Of the 19 use categories recorded, the highest (69; 49.3%) were reported by Shekacho followed by Mejengir (38; 27.1%), and Sheko (33; 23.6%) ethnic groups. Preference ranking and direct matrix exercises on selected plants used for construction and as multipurpose indicated the highest preference of people for Arundinaria alpina and Cordia africana followed by Ficus ovata, Baphia abyssinica and Cyathia manniana. According to priority ranking, agricultural expansion was identified as the most destructive factor of forest plants, followed by illegal wood harvest and construction. The current study recommends the establishment of plant material culture centre. Ex situ and in situ conservation measures should be taken in the study area for sustainable use of plant resources and preservation of indigenous knowledge. Key words: Ethnobotany, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired comparison, Ethiopia.
Highlights
Plants have been used throughout human history as a source of food, medicine and material culture (Schlereth, 1982; Balick and Cox, 1996; Sophia, 2005)
An official letter was received from Jimma University Ethical Review Committee (ERC) while verbal informed consent was obtained from each informant who was participating during the study period
There are some common plant species and plant material cultures reported by three ethnic groups, this study revealed that there is a significant difference (P0.05) between Sheko and Mejengir ethnic groups (Table 3)
Summary
Plants have been used throughout human history as a source of food, medicine and material culture (Schlereth, 1982; Balick and Cox, 1996; Sophia, 2005). The diversity of plant species remain vital in material culture for making homesteads, agricultural tools, fences, household furniture and/or utensils amongst the others (Parezo, 1996; Wiersum, 1997; Turner, 2000; Choudhary et al, 2008; Hattori, 2006). Cotton (1996) mentioned that fibrous stem, roots and leaves have provided materials for basketry, cordage and textiles; specific types of wood have been used for both construction and manufacturing of a wide range of tools, toys and small utensils; seed and flowers have been used in making necklaces and ceremonial garments
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