EDIBLE WILD MUSHROOMS OF ETHIOPIA: NEGLECTED NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS

Abstract

This review summarizes existing ethnomycological work in Ethiopia. Although the literature to which we had access were scanty and limited in their scope, comprehensive issues such as the culture of collection and use of edible wild mushrooms in the country are summarized. In this review, moreover, a check list of available wild edible and medicinal mushrooms and their niches are also documented. The review reveals that wild mushrooms are the most neglected non-timber forest products (NTFPs). They are poorly studied and undocumented in Ethiopia as compared to other NTFPs and their importance for the livelihood of the local communities is also overlooked. Recognition of this resource is also hampered by the lack of taxonomic studies; most of the species are simply known locally by the shared common name “Enguday”. Thus, this document can serve as baseline information and indicator for further studies to facilitate the wider use, promotion and conservation of wild mushrooms in Ethiopia.