Abstract
BACKGROUND: Wild edible plants (WEPs) have long supported rural livelihoods in Ethiopia by contributing to food security, nutrition, and cultural identity. Despite their importance, many of these plants and the indigenous knowledge associated with them are increasingly overlooked due to environmental degradation, agricultural expansion, and socio-economic changes. This study aimed to document the diversity, indigenous knowledge, and cultural importance of WEPs in Dabat District, northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 136 informants participated in the study, which was conducted from January to November 2025 in eight selected kebeles of Dabat District. Informants were selected using purposive sampling for key informants and simple random sampling for general informants to ensure inclusion of knowledgeable community members. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and direct observations. Voucher specimens were collected and identified using standard botanical procedures and authenticated herbarium references. Quantitative ethnobotanical analyses, including relative frequency of citation, preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking, were used to evaluate the cultural importance and multipurpose value of species. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed using R software to assess patterns of knowledge distribution across socio-demographic groups. RESULTS: The study documented 52 wild edible plant species belonging to 41 genera and 27 botanical families. These species were mainly consumed as fruits, leafy vegetables, and tubers. Ximenia americana L. was identified as the most preferred species, followed by Syzygium guineense (Willd.) DC., Cordia africana Lam., Morus alba L., and Rosa abyssinica R.Br. ex Lindl., which were valued for their taste, accessibility, and frequent use. Direct matrix ranking indicated that Cordia africana Lam. had the highest multipurpose value due to its roles in food provision, fuelwood, construction materials, income generation, and farm tool production. Species such as Vachellia seyal (Delile) P.J.H.Hurter and Vachellia abyssinica (Hochst. ex Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr. were also highly valued for energy supply, fencing, and marketable products. WEPs played an important role in supplementing household diets, particularly during seasonal food shortages. Traditional knowledge of WEPs varied significantly (P < 0.005) among informants, with older individuals, men, and respondents with lower levels of formal education demonstrating greater familiarity with these resources. Major threats identified included agricultural expansion, habitat degradation, overgrazing, and declining intergenerational transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: WEPs remain an important component of local food systems and cultural traditions in Dabat District. Their continued use contributes to dietary diversity and provides a safety net during periods of food scarcity. Strengthening documentation, conservation, and sustainable management of WEPs, while promoting the transmission of indigenous knowledge, will enhance their role in supporting rural livelihoods and food security.