Management and Utilization of Wild Nutraceutical Plants: Implications in Diversifying Food sources and Traditional Health care systems in Lare Woreda, Gambella Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

The diverse wild Nutraceutical plants in Lare woreda of Gambella Regional State are known to have a huge potential in their overall socio-economic contribution to the community, especially in diversifying food sources and traditional health care systems. However, information on the management, processing and utilization of these plants are inadequate as they are not well studied. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objective of assessing the management and utilization aspects of the existing nutraceutical plants in the area. To that end, 120 households from three representative administrative Kebeles were selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire. Other methods of data collection, which include focus group discussions, key informants interview, and preference ranking, were also employed in addition to the formal household survey. A total of 37 wild useful plant species belonging to 27 families and contributing to diversifying local food sources and health care systems (for treating both human and livestock diseases) were identified. These plant species belong to different habits, which include trees, shrubs, climbers, and herbs; and the communities can access them in different types of habitats (mainly, from dense woodland areas, open woodlands, road side plants and bush lands). Different threats encountered in the overall management of woodland vegetations consisting of these plants, which have resulted in the decline in their distribution, were also identified. These threats include frequent fire, agricultural land expansion and investment, fuel wood collection, timber collection and settlements. With regard to their processing and utilization, some of these plant parts are consumed raw, whereas some others are taken in the forms of juice as well as porridge. The different parts of the plants (fruits, leaves, seeds, roots/tubers, barks and stems) are used as sources of food and traditional medicines. As recommendations the study suggested that necessary management interventions, which can address the major threats identified, should be made in order to enhance the role of these plants. Environmental impact assessments associated with proposed conversions of major habitats of these plants into other land uses, such as agricultural investment and settlement purposes should be conducted. Moreover, an all-inclusive and participatory management strategy that involves the local people in managements of these plants should be designed and implemented in order to address the major threats. Further studies on the chemical and nutritional aspects of these wild nutraceutical plants in the area are also required for designing improved ways of their processing and utilization.