Ethnobotanical Data in Forests of Zegie Peninsula and Nearby Monastries
Description
Hypothesis of Research and Data Overview: This dataset presents an ethnobotanical study concerning traditional ecological knowledge and the use of medicinal plants by communities in the Zegie Peninsula and nearby monastic islands of Ethiopia. The hypothesis for this research is that these communities possess a detailed traditional knowledge of plant uses, especially medicinal ones, which would vary with different demographic groups and geographical locations. Data collection entailed structured interviews with 260 informants across several sites, covering demographic profiles, plant species utilization, and traditional healing practices. Data Collection Methodology: Data collection was based on systematic ethnobotanical surveys from [insert collection dates]. Interviews, guided field walks, and botanical specimen collection were conducted. Collected voucher specimens were deposited with identity numbers (AW24001-AW24120) for botanical verification. The informants were chosen by purposive and snowball sampling from three main sites representing the Peninsula-Ura, Mehal Zegie, and Yiganda-and the Islands-Daga Estifanos, Kebran Gebriel, and Enton Eyesus-representative occupational groups, including monks (51.5%), coffee growers, carpenters, and other community members. Key Findings and Data Interpretation: These data represent a rich pharmacopoeia of 120 plant species belonging to 56 families used for medicinal purposes, and the most represented families are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Rutaceae. Leaves are predominantly used in medication (43%), followed by roots (22%), and the most frequent route of administration is oral (58%). The data provide evidence of a sophisticated treatment protocol, ranging from common diseases such as malaria and gastrointestinal disorders to chronic diseases and spiritual illnesses. The large proportion of informants that belong to monastic institutions indicates that religious institutions are important repositories of traditional ecological knowledge. From the demographic analysis, knowledge is distributed among age groups as follows: 18-35 years, 27.7%; 36-55 years, 49.2%; above 56 years, 23.1%, while gender distribution is as follows: male, 83.1%, female, 16.9%. Data Structure and Usage: The dataset consists of four complementary files: (1) Demographic survey data with informant characteristics; (2) Plant species, listed according to their uses, such as medicinal, food, fuelwood, and construction, among others; (3) Detailed traditional medicinal uses, considering the mode of preparation; and (4) Botanical inventory with taxonomic information. This dataset allows for comparative ethnobotanical analysis, biodiversity conservation planning, pharmacological screening, and interpretation of traditional knowledge transmission patterns. The voucher numbers can be used to cross-reference herbarium specimens for verification.
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Research Design and Sampling Protocol: The present study followed a cross-sectional ethnobotanical study design with mixed-methods data collection. The sampling strategy combined purposive sampling (targeting knowledgeable elders and traditional healers) with snowball sampling (chain referral from initial informants) in order to comprehensively cover traditional knowledge holders across the study area. Three sites on the mainland (Ura, Mehal Zegie, Yiganda) and three island monastic communities (Daga Estifanos, Kebran Gebriel, Enton Eyesus) were selected based on preliminary reconnaissance surveys. Prior informed consent obtained from all participants by verbal agreement in conformity with ethical guidelines on conducting ethnobotanical research. Research permissions obtained from local administrative and religious authorities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by using a standardized questionnaire covering demographic information, plant knowledge, and categories of use. Guided field walks: The informants accompanied researchers into the field sites for plant identification and documentation of ecological context. Participant observation: Direct observation of plant collection, preparation methods, and administration techniques Botanical specimen collection: Voucher specimens collected following standard herbarium protocols Plant Documentation Protocol: Collection: Several specimens for each species, in accordance with botanical collection standards Identification: Initial field identification using regional floras, followed by verification by taxonomists. Vouchering: Specimens deposited with unique voucher numbers (AW24001-AW24120) for future reference. Herbarium standards: Specimens pressed, dried and mounted according to standard herbarium procedures Informant profile (age, sex, occupation, location) Information on plant use (medicine, food, building material, etc.) Preparations: decoction, infusion, poultice; Administration routes: oral, dermal, nasal; Dosage information and treatment duration. Triangulation: Cross-checking information across multiple informants. Structured interview forms, audio recording equipment (where permitted). Reference materials: Regional floras and taxonomic keys for preliminary identification. Plant uses classified into standardized categories (MD=Medicinal, FD=Food, FW=Fuelwood, etc.) Cross-referencing: Voucher numbers linked with respective use data and informant information. Informant consensus: Assessment of knowledge agreement across different demographic groups. Ethical Considerations: Prior informed consent was obtained from all participants. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights and Traditional Knowledge. Confidentiality of sensitive traditional knowledge maintained.
Institutions
- Bahir Dar University Department of Biology
- University of Calgary Department of Anthropology and Archaeology