Folk In-Situ Conservation of Ensete [Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) E.E. Cheesman]: Toward the Interpretation of Indigenous Agricultural Science of the Ari, Sowthwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

By employing the concept of "indigenous agricultural science," both construc­ tive and unconscious activities of the Omotic Ari people in southwestern Ethiopia, who cul­ tivate as well as preserve ensete genetic resources. are exemplified and described. The Ari people are so deliberate and accurate in their efforts to keep the diversity of ensete landraces as compared to the ex-situ conservation of plant genetic resources performed by research sta­ tions and gene banks. By their folk belief system, not only the cultivated populations but the wild populations of ensete are also conserved in a ritual sanctuary. Moreover, there are cer­ tain mechanisms of bringing into cultivated populations new genotypes originated from natural crosses between cultivated populations and wild populations. The Ari's conservation­ al efforts can be considered as one of a few ideal cases of in-sitll conservation of crop genetic resources. Proper interpretation of their "folk in-situ conservation" activities for ensete can eventually lead us to full understanding of their indigenous agricultural sciences.