Identification, characterization and diversity of cultivated Ensete ventricosum landraces in Gamo highlands, South Ethiopia

Enset-based indigenous knowledge and associated agro-ecological niche is often confined within cultural groups of enset growing regions, limiting further expansion of cultivation and development. This study aimed to identify and characterize enset landraces using farmers’ knowledge and assess extent of diversity at two of enset growing districts in Gamo zone, South Ethiopia. Six localities encompassing 1530 to 3000 m.a.s.l were sampled at Chencha and Kogota districts. Observations, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed on 204 households. Names and quantities of enset landraces in the home gardens were recorded at a 10x10 m2 quadrant laid out per household. Totally, 38 enset landraces were recorded and grouped as processing (kocho, bulla) and cooking (amicho) types on the basis of characteristics described by farmers. These were locally distinguished as ‘Wodala Uhthi’ or ‘Macca’ ‘Uuthi’ in Gamo language. The Shannon index ranged from 2.75 at high altitude of Chencha to 0.75 at low altitude of Kogota suggesting diversity and altitude were directly proportional. The indigenous knowledge associated with enset landraces needs to be enhanced to ensure food security and resilience of the smallholder livelihood. Conservation initiatives such as Dorze Enset Field Gene Bank and around by Arba Minch University are highly encouraged. Keywords: Amicho; Diversity; Enset; Kocho; Landrace