Use and trading of wild edible herbs in the central lowveld Savanna region, South Africa

Use and trading of wild edible herbs in the central lowveld Savanna region, South Africa

1998

GTZ81084611 (GTZ-IVSE II)

E00681

The use, processing, trading, cultivation and maintenance of wild edible herbs was recorded across a rainfall gradient in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Nine villages, in three transects across the prevailing west-east rainfall gradient, were sampled (20 households per village). All households made use of wild edible herbs to some extent, with households in the wettest region using the greatest diversity. The duration of availability of selected species was increased by drying, storing and processing for later consumption. Such activities were more common in the drier regions relative to the wetter villages. Approximately 38% of the respondents cultivated or nurtured wild edible herbs within their homestead or arable fields, whereas more than 77% grew exotic commercial vegetables. One quarter of respondents traded in edible herbs, largely in the winter months. Very few obtained a significant income in this way, but even casual trading provided vital supplementary income for low-income households.

v.52(3):251-259, ECONOMIC BOTANY

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