Local knowledge and use of wild edible plants in eastern part of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda: Prospects for forest biodiversity conservation

Abstract

This research explored the local knowledge and use of wild edible plants in Nyungwe National Park (NNP) and its vicinity. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local elders on the use and knowledge of wild edible plants. Further, wild edible plants reported from the survey were investigated across transects and quadrats in NNP. Taxonomy of collected plants to species level, the identification of used and eaten parts, and the frequency of consumption were studied. A total of 35 species grouped into 21 families dominated by the families of Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, and Cyperaceae were the most known and used by local people. Three species namely Begonia meyeri-johannis, Carapa grandiflora and Rubus kulinganus were absolutely found inside the park, while other 13 species were absolutely collected in the vicinities of NNP. The remaining 18 species were found in both inside the park and in its vicinities. Leaves and young stems of wild edible plants are the most consumed by local people, especially during the periods of food scarcity. The research shows that local people have a good knowledge of wild edible plants and recommends sustainable measures for making the diversity of wild edible plants well known, used and conserved.

Key words: Biodiversity, Conservation, Food insecurity, Sustainable use, Wild edible plants