Diversity and Traditional Knowledge of Unconventional and Underutilised Edible Plants: Perceptions, Uses and the Transmission of Knowledge in Nampula, Niassa and Zambézia, Mozambique
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Non-conventional food plants (PANCs) constitute an important biocultural heritage, with high potential for dietary diversification, the enhancement of agrobiodiversity and the resilience of agri-food systems. This study analysed traditional knowledge, perceptions of occurrence, channels for knowledge transmission and the sociocultural barriers associated with PANCs in the provinces of Nampula, Niassa and Zambézia, Mozambique. A convergent mixed-methods approach was adopted, surveying 420 participants via KoboCollect, supplemented by 44 focus groups and ethnobotanical walks. The mean age of the respondents was 38.5 ± 13.05 years (60.0% men; 40.0% women). Six reference species stood out with a high frequency of community recognition across the three provinces: Amaranthus spp., Bidens pilosa L., Talinum sp., Tamarindus indica L., Adansonia digitata L. and Annona senegalensis Pers., recognised by 94.8% of the sample (398/420). Knowledge is transmitted predominantly through the family (76.1%; 316/415). However, statistically significant provincial variations were observed: in Niassa (88.4%) and Zambezia (92.6%), learning within the family predominated, whilst Nampula showed a more balanced distribution between the family unit (53.8%) and neighbourhood networks (41.3%). No significant difference in age was observed between provinces. Qualitative analyses revealed persistent sociocultural barriers, particularly amongst young people, who associate the consumption of PANCs with poverty and 'food for the hungry'. It is concluded that PANCs constitute strategic biocultural resources, the utilisation of which requires strengthening intergenerational transmission, nutrition education and the demystification of the stigma associated with their consumption. The integration of this knowledge into public policies and conservation strategies appears to be fundamental for regional food sustainability and sovereignty.
DOI: 10.66104/9pjs1p08
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7203697740