Neutraceutal Wild Plants Contributions to Food and People of SemiArid East Shewa, Ethiopia: Healthcare Security of the Semiarid

Abstract

Ethnobotamcal study was conducted in six study sites of semi and east Shewa, Ethiopia. The study has aimed to Identify key nutraceutical wild plants and documents associated Indigenous knowledge. It also analyzed local use and management practices and implications to food and health security of people living in semi arid areas. Data was obtained ethnobotanically by field observations focus group discussions and interviews. Qualitatative data vvere described by narrating and quantitatively summarized tables, percentages and ranking matrixs. Twenty nutraceutical plants were identified; :35% shrubs, 13% trees and 5% Iiana for human food livestock feed and medicine. Transhumant pastoralists used (95%) nutraceuticals and settled farmers (65%) Twenty nutraceutical wild plants were used to treat 11(55%) human and 9(45%) livestock ailment.s/ health problems. There are a good number of nutraceutical plants which can be used for nutrition and healthcare system of semiarid people. Transhumant pastoralists were more intimate With nature and more knowledgeable. Hence, they adapt to climate change by using locally available nutraceuticals for themselves and their livestock Climate change adaptation strategies can be built on this indigenous knowledge for sustainable use of nutracuticals for nutrition and health security.