Ethnobotany of Moringa stenopetala: A case study from Derashe and Konso ethnic groups in southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Moringa stenopetala, an important vegetable tree locally called “Haleko” in Derashe and “Shelagda” in Konso area, is cultivated and managed mainly for its edible leaves and for various other purposes in the southern part of Ethiopia. The study explored Ethnobotanical knowledge of the local communities in Konso and Derashe districts. Data were collected using household survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview. A total of 180 households were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions were also conducted involving both men and women. The result showed that M. stenopetala (Haleko) is an important component of the daily dish of the study ethnic groups and used for medicinal purposes. Farmers in both ethnic groups propagate M. stenopetala using its seeds and cuttings. The studied ethnic groups plant the species in home gardens and their crop fields. Farmers produce and use succulent leaves for preparation of local dish. They also practice pollarding of M. stenopetala tree at about 2.30 m to avoid bird resting on the trees and damage their crops. The study also recommends further promotion of the species to other areas with similar agroecology, and propagation techniques research to investigate the optimum cutting height, age and season.