Opportunities for Bioprospecting Genetic Resources in Ethiopia

Abstract

Bioprospecting involves the search of biodiversity for valuable genetic or biochemical resources/information or both for purely scientific or commercial purposes. Objective:The aim of the study was to identify potential genetic resources for bioprospecting and assess opportunities for future bioprospecting in Ethiopia. Methods: Ethno-biological data and sector-based data were collected from the local and scientific community respectively by using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired comparison, semi-structured interviews and field observations. Results: Local people obtained medicinal plant species more from wild vegetation (52.5%) than homegardens (40%) and market (7.5%). Stephania abyssinica, Ensete ventricosum and Urtica simensis were ranked as priority species among the potential genetic resources which were identified by the key informants. Arundinaria alpine (94), Hypericumre volutum (85) and Ensete ventricosum (102) were ranked first as multi-purpose genetic resources from each study area. Yushania alpine, Urtica simensis, Thymus schimperi and some mushrooms were identified with bioprospecting potential for commercialization by the key informants. Conclusion: The results in the present study indicate that the studied woredas (districts) in Ethiopia possess rich medicinal plant species, and the local people have rich ethno-biological knowledge. The results can be used as opportunities for bioprospecting.