Urban foraging in the Anthropocene: socio-ecological dynamics of wild edible plant use in metropolitan landscapes

Urban foraging practices are increasingly recognized as important components of metropolitan food systems, yet there are still knowledge gaps regarding the factors influencing wild edible plant use in urban contexts. Here, I examined the socio-ecological dynamics of wild edible plant use in the metropolitan area of Valparaíso, Chile. Through ethnobotanical surveys and ecological sampling, I characterized the current assemblage of wild edible plant species utilized by urban inhabitants, documenting patterns of use dominated by exotic taxa. Results revealed that family background, particularly rural connections and parental foraging practices, significantly influenced individuals’ engagement with wild edible plants. Abundance and frequency of occurrence, indicators of plant availability, were stronger predictors of use than biomass, a measure of plant productivity. Examination of knowledge transmission pathways highlighted the persistence of traditional family-based sources alongside the adoption of modern information channels. The study also revealed that cultural heritage, plant availability, and knowledge transmission work together to shape foraging practices in urban settings. This research highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by urban foraging in the Anthropocene.