Ethnobotanical study of wild and semi-wild edible plants and their contributions to food security in Zigem District, Ethiopia

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are key components of indigenous food systems, contributing to food security, dietary diversity, livelihood resilience, and the maintenance of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in rural communities. However, empirical data on WEP diversity, utilization patterns, and indigenous knowledge (IK) distribution remain limited in Zigem District, Ethiopia. This study aimed to document WEP diversity, assess IK and utilization practices among local ethnic groups, and evaluate their implications for food security, public health, environmental sustainability, and biodiversity conservation. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 150 informants (Awi = 60, Amhara = 50, Gumuz = 40) using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and direct observations. Plant specimens were identified using standard taxonomic procedures, and conservation status was assessed using the locally perceived threat status. Quantitative analyses, including cultural value index (CVI), preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, Jaccard similarity index, and Venn diagram analysis, were conducted using R software to evaluate species importance, cultural variation, and use patterns. A total of 72 WEP taxa belonging to 50 genera and 39 families were documented. Dominant families included Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Anacardiaceae, and Moraceae (6.94% each), with Ficus, Amaranthus, Dioscorea, Solanum, and Ziziphus being the most represented genera. Fruits were the most frequently consumed plant parts. Carissa spinarum L. exhibited the highest cultural value (CVI = 0.129), followed by Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC. subsp. Guineense (0.124), Ximenia americana L. (0.119), and Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf. (0.114). Considerable overlap in knowledge among Awi, Amhara, and Gumuz groups indicated a shared biocultural heritage alongside culturally specific practices. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationship between participant age and WEPs knowledge (ρ = 0.725, p < 0.05). WEPs were essential for seasonal food security, dietary supplementation, and income generation, particularly during periods of food scarcity. Major threats included agricultural expansion, habitat degradation, overharvesting, fuelwood extraction, charcoal production, climate variability, and erosion of IK. WEPs and associated IK remain critical for sustaining food sovereignty, nutrition, and livelihood resilience in Zigem District. However, increasing ecological pressures and weakening intergenerational knowledge transmission threaten both plant resources and cultural continuity. Integrating TEK into biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation strategies, nutrition-sensitive policies, and community-based resource governance is essential for sustaining resilient socio-ecological systems and conserving biocultural diversity.