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<p>Wild Edible Fruits (WEFs) are naturally occurring, uncultivated fruits that play a vital role in the diet, nutrition, and cultural practices of indigenous communities. These fruits contribute to biodiversity conservation, food security, and economic stability, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, traditional knowledge of WEFs is diminishing as younger generations grow disconnected from cultural practices. This study aims to document the diversity, availability, and consumption patterns of WEFs in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, and to explore the factors influencing shifting consumption trends over recent decades. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to a diverse group of local respondents, focusing on WEF identification, consumption patterns, and cultural practices. Decadal trends in WEF utilization from 1985 to 2024 were analyzed using respondent age groups as a proxy for temporal shifts. A total of 69 WEF species were documented, comprising shrubs (37.7%), trees (31.9%), herbs (15.9%), and climbers (14.5%). Of these, 43.5% were classified as ‘highly preferred,’ 27.5% as ‘moderately preferred,’ and 29% as ‘less preferred.’ However, a declining trend in WEF consumption was observed over the decades, with average per person consumption dropping from 8,016.67&#xa0;g per year in 1985–1994 to 2,225.0&#xa0;g in 2015–2024. Perennial woody species, which produce synchronously, are more highly preferred compared to herbaceous species. The present study revealed that WEF consumption is influenced by factors such as limited traditional knowledge transfer, time constraints (young generation), rural migration, generational gaps, and generational disinterest, with statistical significance observed for migration and hygiene concerns (<i>p</i> = 0.009 and <i>p</i> = 0.0001, respectively). The observed decline in WEF consumption underscores the need for conservation efforts, sustainable use, and the integration of WEFs into local food systems to preserve biodiversity and support food security. Revitalizing traditional knowledge about WEFs can contribute to cultural continuity, economic development, and resilience against environmental and social changes.</p>

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Wild edible fruit utilization patterns in Garhwal himalaya (Uttarakhand, India): a multi-decadal perspective

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月2日

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  • Preeti Khanduri,
  • Shalini Rawat,
  • Dinesh Singh Rawat,
  • Suniti Kumar Kuriyal,
  • Gulshan Kumar Dhingra

摘要

Wild Edible Fruits (WEFs) are naturally occurring, uncultivated fruits that play a vital role in the diet, nutrition, and cultural practices of indigenous communities. These fruits contribute to biodiversity conservation, food security, and economic stability, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, traditional knowledge of WEFs is diminishing as younger generations grow disconnected from cultural practices. This study aims to document the diversity, availability, and consumption patterns of WEFs in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, and to explore the factors influencing shifting consumption trends over recent decades. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to a diverse group of local respondents, focusing on WEF identification, consumption patterns, and cultural practices. Decadal trends in WEF utilization from 1985 to 2024 were analyzed using respondent age groups as a proxy for temporal shifts. A total of 69 WEF species were documented, comprising shrubs (37.7%), trees (31.9%), herbs (15.9%), and climbers (14.5%). Of these, 43.5% were classified as ‘highly preferred,’ 27.5% as ‘moderately preferred,’ and 29% as ‘less preferred.’ However, a declining trend in WEF consumption was observed over the decades, with average per person consumption dropping from 8,016.67 g per year in 1985–1994 to 2,225.0 g in 2015–2024. Perennial woody species, which produce synchronously, are more highly preferred compared to herbaceous species. The present study revealed that WEF consumption is influenced by factors such as limited traditional knowledge transfer, time constraints (young generation), rural migration, generational gaps, and generational disinterest, with statistical significance observed for migration and hygiene concerns (p = 0.009 and p = 0.0001, respectively). The observed decline in WEF consumption underscores the need for conservation efforts, sustainable use, and the integration of WEFs into local food systems to preserve biodiversity and support food security. Revitalizing traditional knowledge about WEFs can contribute to cultural continuity, economic development, and resilience against environmental and social changes.