Dependency and economic benefits of the use of wild food plants among tribal communities in Malai Madeshawara Hills wildlife sanctuary, Southern India

Wild food plant resources and their indigenous knowledge of use are in danger of being lost in areas where rapid environmental and cultural transformations have led to changes in eating habits and practices. The study assesses the dependency and economic value of wild food plant use among forest-dwelling communities. Community perceptions were used to assess the usage patterns among the two communities. The data was collected through a combination of semi-structured interviews, household questionnaire surveys, and focus group discussions in eight villages. Wild food plants are of vital importance to local communities in terms of food security, dietary diversity, and household economy. Local communities use wild plant species as vegetables, fruits, beverages, in traditional therapeutic practices, and as a symbol of ethnic identity. The taxonomical distribution and diversity of 124 species belonging to 57 families and 91 genera were assessed. The cash value of wild food plants to a household ranged from (sic)15 to 20 per cent of the annual income. These plants are a reliable safety net for many households and play a vital role in the livelihoods of the local people. The study highlights the dependency and livelihood importance of these plants.