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International Journal of Basic Science and Technology

A publication of the Faculty of Science, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State

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Archive | ISSUE: , Volume: Oct-Dec-2022

An Appraisal of Famine Food Plants in Southeast Nigeria


Author:Eneni, R. I. and Ihimikaiye, O

published date:2022-Nov-27

FULL TEXT in - | page 200 - 209

Abstract

An inventory of famine food plants was carried out in the five states of southeast of Nigeria (Imo, Enugu, Abia, Anambra and Ebonyi States) to obtain information about the people’s knowledge and use of famine plants. Data was collected through semi structured interview. The various species local names, common names and traditional knowledge (TK) about their use and parts used were also obtained from respondents. Famine plants collated were identified and categorized according to their botanical names, common names and indigenous names. Results revealed a total of twenty-two (22) species of plants belonging to seventeen different botanical families. Most of the plants were from the families Fabaceae, Araceae and Musaceae, of these plants herbs account for (45.45%), followed by Trees (22.72%) and climbers (22.72%) and Shrubs (9.09%). Leaves were the most consumed part (46.6%) followed by fruits (26.6%), tubers (16.6%), seeds (6.6%) and nut (3.3%).These plants are consumed either cooked (46.3%) and/or raw (14.6%). They are available all year round but are more abundant during the harvest season. A relatively high proportion of the species were said to be available during both the dry and rainy seasons; however, a few were only available during the rainy season or during dry season. There is, therefore; a need for the proper conservation and domestication of these plants so as to ensure sustainability, combat malnutrition and improve food security

Keywords: Famine, Traditional knowledge, Biodiversity diversity, South East Nigeria,

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