Diversity and Differential Utilization of Amaranthus spp. along the Urban-Rural Continuum of Southern Benin

Abstract

Diversity and Differential Utilization of Amaranthus spp. along the Urban-Rural Continuum of Southern Benin. Increasing recognition of the importance of traditional vegetables as sources of nutrients, health benefits, and income has raised the need to evaluate and document knowledge of these resources in local communities. Indigenous knowledge is crucial for sustainable utilization of these plant resources, though this might be threatened by urbanization and economic development. We carried out a quantitative ethnobotanical survey to assess the relative importance of amaranth in vegetable production systems of southern Benin and identify the main criteria that determine the choice of this crop by farmers. The diversity, uses, and knowledge of amaranths was investigated to assess how the degree of urbanization affects farmers' knowledge. Our results showed that Amaranthus cruentus is the main cultivated vegetable in the surveyed areas despite its low economic value. Reasons raised by communities were related to the species' popularity, resistance to nematodes, nutritional value, and short cultivation cycle. Wild amaranths include A. dubius, A. blitum, A. spinosus, and A. viridis. Amaranths were mainly used as vegetables and for their nutraceutical properties. Urbanization was found to negatively affect the knowledge and uses of wild species, whereas the knowledge and utilization of cultivated species was quite homogenous along the urban-rural continuum. We discuss strategies to increase knowledge of wild resources in urban settings and therefore reduce loss of genetic resources.