Abstract
This study assessed differences on the uses and transmission of traditional knowledge (TK) about three traditional leafy vegetables (Crassocephalum crepidioides (Juss. ex Jacq.) S. Moor, Launaea taraxacifolia (Willd.) Amin ex C. Jeffrey, and Vernonia amygdalina Del.) of the Asteraceae family over two generations in three villages: Adjohoun, Dangbo, and Pobè (southern Benin). Individual semi-structured ethnobotanical interviews of 360 respondents were conducted in the villages with young girls, boys, and their two parents. The relative frequency of citation, use value, and Jaccard similarity index were used for data analyses. Vernonia amygdalina was the most commonly known and used vegetable in all villages, while L. taraxacifolia was confined to Pobè. Factors such as village of survey, generation, and gender affected the use value of the species, but the patterns of recognition and cultivation were species-specific. Leaves were the most used plant part. Traditional knowledge was largely acquired from parents (90% of citation), and both mothers and fathers transmitted a similar amount of knowledge to their progenies. The knowledge on V. amygdalina was transmitted to a larger scale than knowledge of C. crepidioides and L. taraxacifolia. Irrespective of the species, transmission of TK was higher in Pobè. Gender and generation knowledge dynamic hypothesis is species-specific. TK transmission was species-specific too and may be linked to the local importance and use of those resources. These findings will inform strategies and programs for the sustainable use and conservation of leafy vegetables in local communities and national research and development institutions.
Highlights
Nutraceutical plants loosely allude to species that are used as food or parts of food, and provide medicinal or health benefits—including the prevention and treatment of diseases—based on the perceived health properties of those plants [1]
Understanding the dynamics of traditional knowledge (TK) and uses of locally adapted but underutilized species is critical for planning actions relevant for agricultural diversification and conservation of resources
V. amygdalina was the most commonly known and used in all villages, while L. taraxacifolia was confined to the village Pobè
Summary
Nutraceutical plants loosely allude to species that are used as food or parts of food, and provide medicinal or health benefits—including the prevention and treatment of diseases—based on the perceived health properties of those plants [1]. Several vegetables [2,3,4] and aromatic plants [5] were recognized as nutraceutical crops and are actively sought out for direct consumption or to be added to meals for their therapeutic or nutrient-rich properties. Those species exhibit specific bioactive compounds that can be used to target a range of diseases. They contain valuable nutritive elements, such as vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and antioxidants, that play a vital role in healthcare while serving as foods [6]. 41 species, including 13 leafy vegetables, have been listed as neglected and underutilized among which Crassocephalum crepidioides e
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