Ethnobotanical survey of taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Bench ethnic group, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia

Belachew Garedew, Aklilu Ayiza

Abstract: Taro is belongs to Araceae family, herbaceous plants grown in moist habitat as staple food in southern and southwest parts of Ethiopia. It produces underground corm/tubers or aerial leaves. This research was developed with objective of identifying the habitat, diversity of varieties and potential production of taro (Colocasia esculenta) in Bench ethnic group, Bench Maji Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 122 informants were selected from eight kebeles using purposive and random sampling method. The reliable data were collected from households using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and field observations which were analyzed by using excel spreadsheet and descriptive statistics. A total of four different types of taro varieties (Backa/Keny godere, Boka, Dalus and Gorse) were recorded from the districts. Taros were identified having significant values for the people as human food accounts 100% followed by market value 62.29% and others too. The usable parts of taro for human consumption purposes was corm/tuber account 100% and around 14.92% of young leaves used for food and other purposes. The corms are underground thickened edible part of taro. Farmers’ indigenous experience on production of taro crops in the district was observed to be remarkable. Therefore, this knowledge of practice by farmers must be kept and supported by stakeholders to investigate the productive variety and further improved production and market linkage mechanisms.

Keywords: cultivation; ethno-botany; food security; market value; production; taro; varieties

Date published: 2018-03-28